Recommended by Ian Donley

Darrin Friedman writes a thought-provoking play that forces us to sit and be uncomfortable with the very real issues regarding white supremacy. Friedman drives the ship head on into it and forces us to consider whether some people are capable of change, or if they are simply too far gone in their perspectives.

Donald E. Baker has crafted a multifaceted character who is still, into his adulthood, learning more about himself. The pacing of the monologue gives the audience the impression that he still has room to grow.

"Coming Out to Uncle Jake" is a clever spin on the classic tale of a young man seeking familial acceptance.

Dylan Horowitz's WHERE DO THE GREYHOUNDS GO is an odyssey masked in an isolated environment, leaving the audience to not only see but feel what's going on in the play. This is the kind of play that will have people talking endlessly about it! It's a unique look on mental health and whether sanity is innate or fleeting.

CK Brestman's "Hiraeth" is a sentimental monologue about carrying where you came from in your heart no matter how old you are and how far removed you are from it. Even if it was solely performed at an open-mic night, the words themselves pack enough punch to get the audience's attention. I would love to see it performed.

"Waiting for Roger" is a relatable and humorous piece about a group of (dog) friends trying to figure out how to survive in a world that wasn't built for them.

Paige Zubel's ACTUALLY, HONESTLY GOING TO FUCKING DIE is a hybrid of science fiction and comedy that is beautifully constructed to tell the story of finding a sense of purpose in the midst of addiction recovery. Zubel's writing is very reminiscent of Noah Haidle and Caryl Churchill and yet is able to contemporize their styles of writing in one of the most original plays I have ever read.

Krista Knight's KIRK AT THE SAN FRANCISCO AIRPORT HYATT is a tender exploration of disability and how it affects everyone around it. Knight approaches the story with enough directness and vulnerability to make this play a standout.

I got to see a reading of this play when it was a finalist for Full Circle Players and enjoyed it thoroughly. I'm a sucker for memory plays, and Ryan M. Luevano's LA LAVADORA is a sweet and honest portrayal of a family living through the ebbs and flows of life.

I had the pleasure of doing a reading of this play a few years ago when it was workshopped at Full Circle Players and can't explain how much I enjoyed it. It is one of the most unique interpretations of a very well-known cinematic trope. Jolie Frazer-Madge gives us the perfect modern-day queer rendition for many audiences to enjoy! It's fast-paced nature keeps the action going and it never lets up. I would love to see this receive a full-blown professional production!