Recommended by Lauren Davenport

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    Above the Fold is a fast-paced and sharp play that grapples with sensationalism, gender inequality, and the morality and ethics of journalism. In the challenge of getting their story above the fold we're swept up in the reweaving and unweaving of not just Evelyn Hoey, but the person who's tasked with telling her real story - Dorothy. This play offers a lovely dissection of the power of words and the responsibility of those who wield them.

    Above the Fold is a fast-paced and sharp play that grapples with sensationalism, gender inequality, and the morality and ethics of journalism. In the challenge of getting their story above the fold we're swept up in the reweaving and unweaving of not just Evelyn Hoey, but the person who's tasked with telling her real story - Dorothy. This play offers a lovely dissection of the power of words and the responsibility of those who wield them.

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    Acetone Wishes and Plexiglass Dreams is one of those plays that ignites all your senses and leaves you deeply touched with a moving theatrical experience. This play is inviting, poignant, witty, gritty, and moving. When Celina and Inky find themselves rebuilding their futures in the same community of their childhood they also find that they're stuck between two opposing forces - the gossip and grief of both a community and their own families. I was fully invested from the first page to the last page.

    Acetone Wishes and Plexiglass Dreams is one of those plays that ignites all your senses and leaves you deeply touched with a moving theatrical experience. This play is inviting, poignant, witty, gritty, and moving. When Celina and Inky find themselves rebuilding their futures in the same community of their childhood they also find that they're stuck between two opposing forces - the gossip and grief of both a community and their own families. I was fully invested from the first page to the last page.

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    This play is page-turning, funny, tragic, playful, heartfelt, and empowering. You feel the weight of each character's story and the impact of their stories together as a whole. Daughters of Leda is one of those plays that stays with you long after you finish reading it - seriously, I can't stop thinking about it and I want to see this production!

    This play is page-turning, funny, tragic, playful, heartfelt, and empowering. You feel the weight of each character's story and the impact of their stories together as a whole. Daughters of Leda is one of those plays that stays with you long after you finish reading it - seriously, I can't stop thinking about it and I want to see this production!

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    There is so much to love about this clever play and the vivid characters in it. The fantasy framework is a wonderful vehicle to explore cystic fibrosis, drugs, and abuse - and it’s done in such a fun, engaging, witty, and heartfelt way that I have to admit I wanted more when I finished reading. I would literally sit through a three-hour version of this if that existed.

    There is so much to love about this clever play and the vivid characters in it. The fantasy framework is a wonderful vehicle to explore cystic fibrosis, drugs, and abuse - and it’s done in such a fun, engaging, witty, and heartfelt way that I have to admit I wanted more when I finished reading. I would literally sit through a three-hour version of this if that existed.

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    “Shit. Fetus is the real f word here, right?” Humor is treasure to be discovered in this treasure hunt of a short play. Alli uses the difficult subject matter of infertility and miscarriage to show us all the ways in which fear, trauma, and grief can be finite instead of infinitely depressing and insurmountable. Two strangers bonding in a waiting room is an everyday occurrence, and this one will leave you with laughs, hope, and solidarity.

    “Shit. Fetus is the real f word here, right?” Humor is treasure to be discovered in this treasure hunt of a short play. Alli uses the difficult subject matter of infertility and miscarriage to show us all the ways in which fear, trauma, and grief can be finite instead of infinitely depressing and insurmountable. Two strangers bonding in a waiting room is an everyday occurrence, and this one will leave you with laughs, hope, and solidarity.

  • Lauren Davenport: Stintz Milestrip Center by Samantha Marchant
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    I fell in love with this experimental play the moment I saw how the script was laid out. I love how everything is happening simultaneously because it highlights the humor and poignancy of everyday business at small stores. The dialogue and action are thoughtfully placed. Moments from one store inform character and their stories stores apart, next door, across the street, etc. This play has the potential for some neat innovative staging and was a such fun and refreshing read!

    I fell in love with this experimental play the moment I saw how the script was laid out. I love how everything is happening simultaneously because it highlights the humor and poignancy of everyday business at small stores. The dialogue and action are thoughtfully placed. Moments from one store inform character and their stories stores apart, next door, across the street, etc. This play has the potential for some neat innovative staging and was a such fun and refreshing read!

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  • Lauren Davenport: Hail Mary and Other Miracles by Mike Solomonson
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    There’s only so much a Philadelphia Eagles fan can gush about a play involving the Minnesota Vikings. But this play is a wonderful treat. It has twists and turns with plenty of surprises, excellent and clear rising stakes, and spot-on moments of laugh out loud humor. Each character is distinct and memorable. And whether you like football or not, the central conflict and resolution surrounding family is what ultimately stays with you.

    There’s only so much a Philadelphia Eagles fan can gush about a play involving the Minnesota Vikings. But this play is a wonderful treat. It has twists and turns with plenty of surprises, excellent and clear rising stakes, and spot-on moments of laugh out loud humor. Each character is distinct and memorable. And whether you like football or not, the central conflict and resolution surrounding family is what ultimately stays with you.

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  • Lauren Davenport: Lamentation of the Night by Ky Weeks
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    Humorous and heartening at the same time! This play is quirky fun with turning traditional spooky conventions on their own heads. It’s also playful, but doesn’t shy away from the important issues of legacy and identity.

    Humorous and heartening at the same time! This play is quirky fun with turning traditional spooky conventions on their own heads. It’s also playful, but doesn’t shy away from the important issues of legacy and identity.

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  • Lauren Davenport: Light Severed From A Star by Stephen Spotswood
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    I’ve read this multiple times and every time it gets me with its touching beauty. I can’t get the comparison of the pain of loss coupled with the vastness of the night sky out of my head, because this play does it so strikingly. If anyone’s looking for a play that examines the depths of being human and being a hopeful mother, I’d argue look no further than this play.

    I’ve read this multiple times and every time it gets me with its touching beauty. I can’t get the comparison of the pain of loss coupled with the vastness of the night sky out of my head, because this play does it so strikingly. If anyone’s looking for a play that examines the depths of being human and being a hopeful mother, I’d argue look no further than this play.

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  • Lauren Davenport: 1900s Women Bonding by Catherine Weingarten
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    Historic AND comedic? This would be a perfect addition to any women’s short play festival. From hysteria-coping to glitter tea, this take on “The Yellow Wallpaper” sparkles with its wit and ingenuity.

    Historic AND comedic? This would be a perfect addition to any women’s short play festival. From hysteria-coping to glitter tea, this take on “The Yellow Wallpaper” sparkles with its wit and ingenuity.

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