Recommended by Maggie Smith

  •

    I LOVE a strong ensemble piece, and "A Change of Heart" is exactly that. While there are so many incredible things to say about this play, what really stands out to me is its rhythm, playing with a quick-paced opening and shifting rhythm with each new character entrance. This is a heartfelt (no pun intended) script exploring the many ways one person can share a life.

    I LOVE a strong ensemble piece, and "A Change of Heart" is exactly that. While there are so many incredible things to say about this play, what really stands out to me is its rhythm, playing with a quick-paced opening and shifting rhythm with each new character entrance. This is a heartfelt (no pun intended) script exploring the many ways one person can share a life.

  •

    I have so much respect for any writer who manages to put such detailed relationships in a one-minute script. The dynamic between siblings is evident in this script, leading to an incredibly thought-out world that can be felt while reading this script. And not top of that, it is darkly comedic. What a fun script!

    I have so much respect for any writer who manages to put such detailed relationships in a one-minute script. The dynamic between siblings is evident in this script, leading to an incredibly thought-out world that can be felt while reading this script. And not top of that, it is darkly comedic. What a fun script!

  •

    "The Forgetful Storyteller"is a beautiful, at times heart wrenching, story of a man who, while suffering from dementia, never loses his true self. Even when struggling with the ever present symptoms of his disease, David never stops trying to help his family, proving time and time again that he is caring to his core. It is a heartbreaking look at what dementia can do to not only an individual, but their family. I highly recommend reading this play, but make sure you have tissues on hand.

    "The Forgetful Storyteller"is a beautiful, at times heart wrenching, story of a man who, while suffering from dementia, never loses his true self. Even when struggling with the ever present symptoms of his disease, David never stops trying to help his family, proving time and time again that he is caring to his core. It is a heartbreaking look at what dementia can do to not only an individual, but their family. I highly recommend reading this play, but make sure you have tissues on hand.

  •

    "Entrails" is a hilarious two-hander with excellent dialogue and a realistic dynamic between the two. Rather than risking saying too much and giving away the "slight problem" Jim faces when arriving at Zeb's door, all I can say is that fans of absurdist comedies HAVE to read this script.

    "Entrails" is a hilarious two-hander with excellent dialogue and a realistic dynamic between the two. Rather than risking saying too much and giving away the "slight problem" Jim faces when arriving at Zeb's door, all I can say is that fans of absurdist comedies HAVE to read this script.

  •

    Ayers has created a wonderful story that focuses on how humanity can be filled with both love and hatred at the same time. In reading the story, it reminded me how contradictory the human race can be, with some individuals offering The Grotesque such kindness and others causing nothing but pain. "In the Wings of Butterflies" is a beautiful relooking at classic stories and fairy tales, brutally looking at the human nature that lies within them.

    Ayers has created a wonderful story that focuses on how humanity can be filled with both love and hatred at the same time. In reading the story, it reminded me how contradictory the human race can be, with some individuals offering The Grotesque such kindness and others causing nothing but pain. "In the Wings of Butterflies" is a beautiful relooking at classic stories and fairy tales, brutally looking at the human nature that lies within them.

  • Maggie Smith: The Sunset Lounge by Anthony Doyle
    “

    This play is for anyone who, like me, is obsessed with any and all vampire legends. Anthony has created an in-depth world, exploring the relationship of vampirism and queerness, all while telling an engaging story. I wish I could read it for the first time all over again. This is a MUST READ!

    This play is for anyone who, like me, is obsessed with any and all vampire legends. Anthony has created an in-depth world, exploring the relationship of vampirism and queerness, all while telling an engaging story. I wish I could read it for the first time all over again. This is a MUST READ!

    ”
  • Maggie Smith: An Arpeggio by Noah Tibbetts
    “

    It's no secret that I enjoy Noah Tibbetts' plays, and An Arpeggio is no exception. Tibbetts delves into the unfortunately ever-relevant topic of grappling with the realization that the people we love are capable of doing horrible things. In mixing art with reality, An Arpeggio does an exceptional job at exploring the coping that must come after the manipulation from people who we, at one point or another, cared about. And sometimes, that coping can only come through making art.

    It's no secret that I enjoy Noah Tibbetts' plays, and An Arpeggio is no exception. Tibbetts delves into the unfortunately ever-relevant topic of grappling with the realization that the people we love are capable of doing horrible things. In mixing art with reality, An Arpeggio does an exceptional job at exploring the coping that must come after the manipulation from people who we, at one point or another, cared about. And sometimes, that coping can only come through making art.

    ”
  • Maggie Smith: Materials to Prepare by Noah Tibbetts
    “

    "Materials to Prepare" should be a necessary read for anyone who sits behind a director's table. Raising incredibly relevant points about visibility and representation in theatre, this play asks important questions about why we tell stories and how we should tell them. With unique staging and poignantly genuine dialogue, Noah Tibbetts has created a play that leaves you with questions about the responsibilities we as artists have when creating theatre.

    "Materials to Prepare" should be a necessary read for anyone who sits behind a director's table. Raising incredibly relevant points about visibility and representation in theatre, this play asks important questions about why we tell stories and how we should tell them. With unique staging and poignantly genuine dialogue, Noah Tibbetts has created a play that leaves you with questions about the responsibilities we as artists have when creating theatre.

    ”
  • Maggie Smith: Bridge by Noah Tibbetts
    “

    Noah walks a very fine line with "Bridge," exploring the heavy topic of mental health with grace and expertise. His choice to examine the isolation that comes with severe mental health struggles while finding connection at the same time made me pause was a moving one, leaving me to recollect on the hard emotions that come not only with needing and receiving help, but with being the one giving it, as well. "Bridge" serves as a reminder of the little things we can do to help each other, even if it just means listening.

    Noah walks a very fine line with "Bridge," exploring the heavy topic of mental health with grace and expertise. His choice to examine the isolation that comes with severe mental health struggles while finding connection at the same time made me pause was a moving one, leaving me to recollect on the hard emotions that come not only with needing and receiving help, but with being the one giving it, as well. "Bridge" serves as a reminder of the little things we can do to help each other, even if it just means listening.

    ”
  • Maggie Smith: Collabor-Fucking-Ation! by Rachel Feeny-Williams
    “

    It won’t come as a surprise to you when I say that Rachel Feeny-Williams’ “Collabor-Fucking-Ation” is a beautifully written masterpiece on inspiration and its surprising sources. Claire and Wallace’s arc from willing to say anything to hurt one another to vulnerability and a genuine partnership depicts the true nature of collaboration— Learning to trust. On top of that, the characters are endearing, witty, and so very human. I hope desperately to see it onstage one day, but until then, I will be recommending this play again and again.

    It won’t come as a surprise to you when I say that Rachel Feeny-Williams’ “Collabor-Fucking-Ation” is a beautifully written masterpiece on inspiration and its surprising sources. Claire and Wallace’s arc from willing to say anything to hurt one another to vulnerability and a genuine partnership depicts the true nature of collaboration— Learning to trust. On top of that, the characters are endearing, witty, and so very human. I hope desperately to see it onstage one day, but until then, I will be recommending this play again and again.

    ”