Recommended by Neil Radtke

Kenneth Jones’ "Ten Minutes On a Bench" is a funny, charming, and surprisingly moving collection of first-date encounters. Each scene feels like a little gem, sometimes awkward, sometimes tender, always entertaining! A flexible showcase for actors and a delightful evening for audiences.

Steven G. Martin has a real gift for capturing the quiet, lived-in rhythms of a relationship. Raking Through the Debris takes the simple act of clearing leaves and turns it into a tender, aching portrait of love, avoidance, and the weight of unspoken fears. I really like Martin’s work, and this play shows how he can make something small feel universal, gentle, grounded, and deeply human.

Steven G. Martin always brings such a unique voice to his plays, and I Know You Are, But What Am I? is no exception. It’s a quick, thought-provoking mix of creation story and sci-fi twist, with some powerful imagery packed into a short script. I really enjoy Martin’s work, and this piece shows why—lean, bold, and full of ideas that stick with you.

St. Patrick’s Day by Adam Richter is a quick, funny little play that pokes at all the stereotypes we trot out every March. Two friends go from singing drinking songs to questioning what “heritage” even means, and the back-and-forth is both goofy and a little biting. It’s light, smart, and would be a blast in a short play festival!

John Busser’s Dr. Wu Has Been Eliminated is a fun little spy spoof with bumbling henchmen, a frustrated villain, and lots of playful wordplay. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, and that’s the charm. A quick, silly piece that gets in, gets laughs, and gets out. Fun!

Jacquelyn Floyd-Priskorn delivers a quick punch of horror with Here’s the Thing. What starts as two teens bonding in a crisis turns into something way darker, and way cooler, than you expect. Creepy, fast-paced, and with a killer twist, this is a great short piece for anyone who likes their theatre with a jolt.

Absolutely hilarious. Houk nails the insanity of submission fees, formatting rules, and all the hoops playwrights have to jump through. Ray O. Sunshine is the perfect over-the-top guide for this satire, and the chum bucket bit had me laughing out loud. A sharp, fun piece that any writer will instantly relate to.

Steven G. Martin’s Emily McClain is Obsessed with Groups of 3 hilariously skewers obsession, denial, and reputation with sharp wordplay and escalating absurdity.

Debra A. Cole’s Alice is spooky in the best way. Two friends, one creepy attic, and a doll you definitely don’t want to meet in the dark. The banter feels real and funny at first, which makes the turn into horror hit even harder.

Elizabeth A. M. Keel’s Twerp totally nails the awkwardness of being the odd kid out at a chaotic slumber party. Izzy, Gramma, and Katie bounce off each other in ways that are funny, messy, and surprisingly sweet. It’s short, sharp, and leaves you smiling while remembering how weird growing up felt.