Recommended by Greg Mandryk

First of all, Kudos to Scott Sickles for carrying out such an ambitious undertaking. I can safely say that writing a trilogy is in the same category as climbing Mount Everest in things I will never attempt. Though it could be read as a standalone play, I can't imagine it would have the same impact without reading the first two plays in the trilogy. So, take the plunge and read The Marianas Trench and Pangea first. The final scene is as well-earned as it is heart-wrenching. Bravo!

Alaina Tennant packs a lot of tension and humanity into this short play. Well-developed characters give a ground level perspective to a dark and frightening chapter in American history. Very well done!

A book club unleashes unspeakable terror upon the world in this devilishly delightful laugh riot from John Busser. Pass the crab dip!

I can't say with certainty whether this monologue is autobiographical or if H. Avery is simply that skilled at getting under their characters' skins, but does it really matter in the end? This is a very heartfelt tale that is absolutely worth the five or so minutes it will take you to read it. Side note: teachers should be paid more.

I'm always happy to see sci-fi brought to the stage and B.E.A.U.T.Y by Brent Alles is a gem. Featuring a newborn android, separated from her creator and trying to find her way in a harsh, new world, this feels like a robo-retelling of the Book of Genesis. If you're putting together an evening of sci-fi one-acts and have a costume designer who's looking for a chance to flex their skills, this should definitely be on your radar.

I'm not going to lie and say that I'm fussy when it comes to slasher spoofs. Give me a few annoying, yet photogenic camp counselors, a masked, machete-wielding killer, and a few laughs and I'll give you the key to my heart. But John Busser's Tales from the Deep Woods is a tremendous amount of fun! Are you putting together a night of short horror pieces? Do you want a recurring gag to tie it all together? Then Tales from the Deep Woods should definitely be on your radar.

Okay, I thought I knew where this one was headed, but the final destination was even darker than that. If you're looking for a quick horror fix with a grisly finish, reserve a table at the Obsidian!

Those looking for some good, spooky fun that's high on creepiness but low on frights would do well to consider Southies by Jeffrey James Keyes. Sean and Austin's ghost story is grounded enough to feel plausible, yet still deliver a few chills. And the ending... well, the less said, the better!

While Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey will always hold a special place in my heart as far as Seventh Seal homages go, those looking for more cerebral fare that treats the subject of death with a touch of solemnity without drowning in its own gloom will be delighted by Scott Sickles' witty and comforting vision on what happens in the time between this world and whatever lies beyond.

As if being a new mother, wasn’t terrifying enough, Jillian Blevins turns up the horror with this masterful short play that skillfully walks the line between supernatural and psychological. The Gather by the Ghost Light production serves this up brown if you want hear it performed as a radio play. Great stuff!