Recommended by Maximillian Gill

One thing that consistently impresses me about Wobensmith's work is his ability to take a simple but funny premise, explore all of the humorous corners of it, and then take it up a notch and give us something unexpected. The writer accomplishes all of that in this short piece. Bantering angels have never quite been rendered the way they are here, and it all leads up to a hilarious close.

A really fascinating treatment and reworking of the traditional monster myth narrative. The placing of the monster within a real-world context really works and emphasizes the layering of the mythic and the quotidian. When the monster finally emerges, its character is a great reveal and really kicks this play up to the next level. A fine short piece by Flores.

I love a play that at first seems to be about one thing, then veers someplace else and comes back when you least suspect it. Wobensmith has pulled off something deft here. A casual and very funny conversation between two friends about the woes of dating in the modern era takes a turn for the meaningful in an unexpected way. A finely honed gem of a ten-minute piece that many can relate to on many levels.

A hilarious send-up of spy tropes! Wobensmith really knows his source material, from the title to the little details (best eye patch gags I've ever encountered). I watched this in a Zoom reading with actors who leaned into the absurdity of the roles and the proceedings and it was consistently funny. I can imagine it being even better in a staged version with all of the production design and costuming. Here's hoping Jack Williams returns in a new adventure.

A wonderful blend of the quotidian and the mythic. Haller’s piece is funny throughout, getting some great laughs from the premise of an ancient goddess appearing in someone's home. Underlying it all is the fascinating suggestion that even small, everyday battles take on epic proportions in our emotional lives. Also an inspirational story of a character’s journey towards empowerment. In a short span of time, this piece hits on so many levels and keeps you laughing!

What a marvelous tribute to a mythically proportioned era of Hollywood! The writing is consistently sharp, at times dazzlingly witty, at others delving into fundamental human truths. The conceit of anchoring the narrative in the fussing about around the dead body of a pivotal character is both poignant and an occasion for some wonderfully comedic moments. The characters are appropriately larger than life as Hollywood legends but distinct and relatable. Also some detailed world-building as we are immersed in sort of an alternative history of Hollywood. Truly stunning work from DeVita and Lyons! And I'm craving Yorkshire pudding.

A solidly science-based drama that for me gets to the heart of why we put so many resources into the space race and sending fragile probes into the uncharted vastness: Some connection, however fleeting. Thomas's bond with a space probe is rendered as very poignant and real. Great interaction between the two characters, and I appreciate the intention paid to the science-based details. A deceptively simple and touching work.

A lovely little story about growing up and accepting yourself as part of a wonderfully diverse and endlessly fascinating world. At first I loved the humor of a young person experiencing items from her dad's life that belong in a museum as far as she's concerned. But then, as the character probes more deeply and lets herself listen and understand, the play becomes something rare and beautiful.

Absolutely hilarious! Even funnier because it rings true in so many places.This one is just right for a cast who are ready to just give it and lean into the high jinks. I saw a Zoom reading of this play and can imagine it even funnier on stage.

I love it when I can't tell where a play is going but I end up feeling that it took all the right turns! Speckman's short piece steps over the line between dark and playful a few times but never seems anything but natural and effortless. The two characters really drew me in and their friendship is never less than affecting. I can imagine it being a great piece for a young adult audience, but it has charms for us older viewers as well.