Recommended by Morey Norkin

Hannah Lee DeFrates channels Dr. Seuss, Charles Dickens, and her own vivid imagination to bring us a familiar yet fantastical holiday story. It’s a holiday that borrows some elements from others but is certainly unique. As with all of DeFrates’ incredible work, this one promises to be a visual feast if designers are up to the challenge. I would love to see this come to life!

Yes! So relatable and captured perfectly! I may be a sloth during the day, but it still takes about 2hours to shut off my brain so I can sleep. No problem staying awake for this fun piece!

Within the first few lines, Rachel Feeny-Williams had me laughing out loud. A very funny premise sure to delight audiences. Cheers!

If there is a heaven, I hope it’s the way Jacquie Floyd-Priskorn depicts it in this clever piece. Even with an overzealous stand-in like Helena at the front desk. This play is both funny and comforting. And then there’s that outrageous ending! A JFP classic!

A familiar scenario, but with a fresh new twist. Sam has something to tell Rachel. Rachel’s mind is elsewhere. And Tom, well he adds a great comic dimension to the whole thing. Well-written and completely enjoyable.

That this could and did happen in the wealthiest nation is shameful. And Dana Hall doesn’t hold back in exposing that shame and the systemic racism that led to this disastrous situation. An important lesson presented in a moving theatrical manner. This deserves to be widely seen.

Claire and Kevin are clearly not on the same wavelength in this hilarious breakup short. All the reasons you’ve ever given or been told are here, and yet none of them seem to answer Kevin’s question… why? Rachel Feeny-Williams closes out this fun piece with the perfect ending. Who knew watching someone else break up could be so much fun?!

Brent Alles creates a truly haunting feeling in this dark drama. Lighting, the central gothic character, and a sense of mystery enhance the mood. As Mark is drawn into Nina’s captivating dance, we are drawn deeper into this story and shaken by dramatic turn of events. Highly recommend. (Trigger Warning: suicide)

Quick, delightful, and filled with important lessons for children of all ages! You’re never too young or old to march for justice.

Shiver me timbers! I have no idea what that really means, and that’s kind of the point of Rob Weidman’s cleverly creepy SIMULATED EUPHEMISMS. Do our random utterances have meaning if our very existence is questionable? That may sound very heavy, but Weidman provides a light touch to the dialogue and a neat Twilight Zone-y twist. A great two-hander for any short play festival.