Recommended by Emily M. Shaffer

"21 Hollow Oak Road" is an inspiring piece about the history of women and the journey women have gone on throughout time. It's relatable, funny, inspiring, and provokes thought. Features a number of women from all walks of life and a variety of time periods. Leaves a reader or an audience member thinking about the choices they've made in their lives and how it has affected or changed things for themselves. A piece I thoroughly enjoyed reading multiple times and would love to see staged.

"Boxed In" talks about the nature of day to day routine and the impact of trying to change it. It centers two brothers facing an incoming change, Tyler's graduation, and both have different ways of navigating their anxieties: Tyler focuses on other things while Jerry tries to prepare his brother for Greenburg Tech. This story highlights queer voices through brotherly/parental dynamics and self discovery. Features quite possibly the most interesting and unique way someone starts their journey to mime. Had the pleasure of directing this at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania for the Directing Class Projects in November of 2023.

You Are What You explores the impact of food and society on the minds of young people. It paints a picture of what disordered eating can look like for some and how it can tumble to be so much more, creating tense family dynamics and worsening overall quality of life. Mora V. Harris uses dark comedy with a particularly unique character, a talking pot roast, which for me was very impactful in my understanding of the character's experience. Truly a theatrical piece that opens the door for magic on stage.

"and for your last breath?' is a play about more than just the pandemic and wildfires. It is about a relationship between two roommates. About how the possibility of future death makes relationships a bit more intimate. About how the breath we share is precious. It is a play I'd recommend to anyone looking for a serious, yet feel-good play about the depths of friendship or a relationship.

"The Astronots" is a heartwarming, funny piece with an ensemble of characters from different walks of life. From a shy college student, to a headstrong Red Robin waitress, to an overconfident Disney actor. Features themes of family dynamics, LGBTQIA+ characters, marriage trouble, capitalism, and more. Leaves an audience questioning the intentions of the rich and wondering why billionaires are suddenly going to space. Had the pleasure of serving as Assistant Director for the production at Bloomsburg University in November of 2023. A play I hold close to my heart.

The characters have perfect comedic timing, as well as a fun relationship with each other. A great read.

This play has two characters who love each other, but the one is annoyed because the other woke him up. Reading this, I definitely laughed out loud at least 5 times. The chemistry the characters share makes the natural flow of their conversation so much better.

This play has such natural language that it felt like a real conversation someone had! It is a play about love and heartbreak leaving me wonder: Who would I fight for?

The language and flow of this play speaks volumes and leaves me wanting more. I am curious about how close of friends this trio was, and I specifically would love to know more about Rachel and Lisa's friendship in high school.