Recommended by Morey Norkin

Don Baker’s heartbreaking story packs an emotional punch because the outcome could have been so different. An accident that perhaps could have been avoided sets the scene. A sister’s unwillingness to accept her brother’s true self and his partner is the real tragedy. The role of the sister presents an acting challenge in trying to make an unlikeable character at least understandable. A powerful drama that should be staged often.

This is a lovely monologue from Deb Cole. An aging woman caring for her infirm husband reminds us that despite what our eyes tell us, we should remember and show the same kindness to our elders as we did when they were young and vital. You never know what life will deal you as you age. A terrific audition piece, festival standout, or anthology finale.

Lindsey Brown has created a hilarious spoof of corporate culture! Meetings, meetings, and meetings about meetings! All of the members of the "A Team" are spot on. Internally, I was Anthony, but too quiet to share my frustration. I'm sure anyone who reads this and has attended a fair share of business meetings will recognize themselves and their colleagues. This would be so much fun to see in a festival, especially knowing you won't have to attend another meeting!

Even if it hadn’t been written in response to the most ridiculously detailed prompt ever, this play is terrific on its own. That it was faithful to the absurd prompt is even more impressive. Alice may be the hero of this story, but Rachel Feeny-Williams is a hero for our time!

Paul Donnelly provides a powerful look at family guilt and how multiple lives are impacted by an individual’s struggle with addiction. Set during Christmas, the play is both a reminder that holidays can be especially stressful where family dynamics are concerned and that perhaps they can offer a glimmer of hope. Well worth presenting any time of year.

Too funny and too true! Makes me wonder if the good people who call for submissions would get this. I hope Deb Cole will test the waters with this one some day.

For 10 lovely minutes, Paul Smith allows us to feel hopeful as we witness Clifford and Stella, two lonely seniors, take their first tentative steps toward a new romance. The dialogue is gentle and refined and the result is oh so heartwarming. If you’re looking for a little pleasure, look no further.

Cole Hunter Dzubak’s haunting words come from a place of deep sorrow, anger, and despair for the tragedy at Michigan State University. Right now, the response to the title is we’re not OK as long as these senseless tragedies continue. Cole’s words need to be read, performed, and taken to heart until something is done and we can truly say we’re OK.

I needed a good laugh, so no better place to turn to than a John Busser comedy! What’s a playwright to do when the characters are out of control? When the “actual” playwright is John Busser the answer is bring on the laughs! Bravo!

Disturbing. Because the kind of oppression depicted in Arianna Rose’s chilling drama has precedent, and the current state of world affairs does not bode well for the future. This is an important cautionary tale that should be shared widely.