Recommended by Brenton Kniess

12/1/24 - Claire Waldrop’s FLICKER not only has a compelling atmosphere, but it also provides us with authentic characters that are impressively fully realized in a matter of seconds. FLICKER shows us that we see our true self not in light, but in darkness. This is an incredibly original play that deserves an audience.

11/21/24 - What makes a John Mabey script so profound is the power of shared experiences. No matter how you experienced it, Mabey is always able to find a way to make you not just comprehend the emotional stakes, but makes you feel apart of it. From the craftsmanship of the dialogue to the beauty of authenticity in its characters, John Mabey’s THE SHAPE OF GOODBYE is an encapsulating piece of how we attempt to shape our life in the face of grief.

Andrew Martineau’s SPIN CYCLE is a lovely slice of life play that is unique, thought provoking, and incredibly engaging. I absolutely love the laundry mat setting, where we meet Jim and Mandy. While we find ourselves in the “two strangers aren’t so different after all” trope, the way Martineau layers the storytelling with clever reveals and motivations that blossoms into something real and memorable. He takes the trope and makes it his own. This is a lovely play for either stage or audio. Bravo!

I absolutely love the build up of tension Barry writes in the piece. It doesn’t show up too early and not too late, wonderfully paced and structured. I want to see more!

TAKE MY WIFE! is highly inventive, unique, funny, and bold. Sarah Jae Leiber doesn’t pull any punches within the delivery of the play. The characters are so well crafted in this overly manic world that Leiber so expertly lays out. Would be a highlight at any short play festival.

Wow! Barry Wallace’s BLACK BALLONS is unique, suspenseful, and down right creepy! The way in which Wallace pulls back the layers is expertly executed. This is a great dark comedy for your short play festival!

What would you do for your creation? That’s what Anastasia Wild explores in PORTALS. The power of friendship and dedication makes their portal possible, but it’s what was created for one of them that questions if they should stay or explore. Would you take the step?

Alli Hartley-Kong’s THE GRAPE NERDS REUNION is beautifully gripping and charming. The content within can be tough to write about, but Kong manages to expertly craft the unexpected journey Alyssa and Mike face when they reconnect with heart and power. A incredibly beautiful piece of theatre.

Ken Love’s MOONLIGHT OVER LA is engaging, thrilling, and wildly entertaining. The way Love molds his characters and places them in the trials and tribulations of LA in the 70s is done in such an unique and intelligent manner. The characters are extremely well drawn and the action has great pace to it. This phenomenal read would only grow in power if staged. Excellent!

Michele Clarke's radio version of RAVINE is riveting and suspenseful. Audio engineers and editors have so many avenues of creativity within this piece, and yet, no matter how the piece is audibly crafted, Clarke is able to convey the same gut-wrenching sensation. Wonderfully developed tension and suspense!