Recommended by Emmett Shaffer

A truly theatrical piece that hones in on the power of helping yourself. We are our own heroes! The concept of the current person as a system with past versions of themselves helping it along is really interesting to me. And, of course, sheet ghost office workers are a plus. Such a lovely read!

"Temple Tour Kyoto" explores the raw fear of marriage hardships through the lens of an American tourist in Kyoto. Centering Mac, the tourist, and Allen, the tour guide, we zoom in on how 2 strangers come together and find comfort during a tour of the Daisen-in Temple. The play features some history of the Kyoto temples, Buddhism and Catholicism, grounding mechanisms, and 2 characters you will absolutely relate to in one way or another. Madden's writing will pull you in from the first page and never let you go.

"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.