Recommended by Hayley St. James

Scott Sickles, you absolute madman. Move over, Sherlock Gnomes - you’ll never think about garden gnomes the same way again after this terrific short play, building a sordid, whimsical, and downright absurd world that manages to be as memorable as it is bonkers.

Twelfth Night inspired plays are almost always an instant recommendation in my book, but an epic prequel play about Sir Andrew’s adventures before the Bard’s story? I adored every second; it’s a play I’d love to see in rep with the original Shakespeare. (Or even better: as part of a whole season of plays like this exploring Twelfth Night! That could be lovely.)

‘Tis the season for a delightful short play about the bond between sisters at Christmas; ‘tis also the season for a delightful short play that conjures up childhood nostalgia by riffing on retro cartoon icons you know and love! I’d love to see this in full costumed glory someday. Radical work, dude!

How could anyone not love this ten-minute gay ghost story that tackles existential and romantic themes in a deftly funny and wise two-hander package? Tirado-Ortiz sets up a great scenario and executes it wonderfully.

A surprising and lovely coming of age play that tackles religion, sexuality, and friendship with frankness, joy, and all the requisite teenage angst and awkwardness one could hope for in a play like this. I love these girls so much and I hope someone produces it and gives them the spotlight they deserve.

When I was a weird outcast queer kid growing up, I wish I had friends like the kids Scott Sickles so deftly brings to life in this collection of charming pieces, with truly real-feeling young characters. So often I wince at adults writing kids - but these kids are the real deal, and I love them and this entire set of work.

Absolute, glorious, ridiculous - and festive! - chaos. And for that I am truly thankful. A one minute masterwork in Being The Most Bonkers.

A delightful and unexpected twist on the classic “park bench” scenario that plays out over the course of a few surprising days between two souls. This play would be nothing short of a great gift for two actors with great chemistry to perform.

A magnum opus in both queer storytelling and autistic storytelling, with a wonderful protagonist you’ll remember forever and a story that pulls you in, haunts you like Henry’s favorite gothic romance, and ends on a stunning note of grace and empathy. An important, loveable, necessary work.

A collaborative effort in many different perspectives that celebrates not only the gift of a human that is the titular Mr. Weaver, but the power of playwriting and honesty. Rousing and touching, a funhouse mirror of a theatrical evening.