Recommended by Marshall Logan Gibbs

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    There is so much happening beneath the conversation we see in this playlet, and it will spark conversations long after the play is over. As Houk illustrates in this piece: every regime needs a bit of sparkle, doesn't it? A peek into a future where we haven't learned from the past, as well as why we shouldn't let the fascists pit us against one another. Writing is resilience after all and Houk's writing shows this masterfully. A very important play.

    There is so much happening beneath the conversation we see in this playlet, and it will spark conversations long after the play is over. As Houk illustrates in this piece: every regime needs a bit of sparkle, doesn't it? A peek into a future where we haven't learned from the past, as well as why we shouldn't let the fascists pit us against one another. Writing is resilience after all and Houk's writing shows this masterfully. A very important play.

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    Gee whiz! This play had me rolling and rolling with laughter! As someone who doesn't typically connect with this period and style of play, I was engaged completely and fully in for the ride - a testament to Gill's delightful dialogue, masterful comedic timing, and the ability to sit back and follow the fun! Fantastic work.

    Gee whiz! This play had me rolling and rolling with laughter! As someone who doesn't typically connect with this period and style of play, I was engaged completely and fully in for the ride - a testament to Gill's delightful dialogue, masterful comedic timing, and the ability to sit back and follow the fun! Fantastic work.

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    It is no hyperbole when I tell you that this is one of the most impactful short plays I have ever encountered. I was fortunate enough to attend a reading of this piece at the Valdez Theatre Conference and it packed such a punch to the room, especially to the fellow educators in the crowd. Across the board, Moughon's writing is so clear and so effective (Special shoutout for writing an 18 year old who actually sounds like an 18 year old.) with very real stakes that hit fast and hard. Bravo.

    It is no hyperbole when I tell you that this is one of the most impactful short plays I have ever encountered. I was fortunate enough to attend a reading of this piece at the Valdez Theatre Conference and it packed such a punch to the room, especially to the fellow educators in the crowd. Across the board, Moughon's writing is so clear and so effective (Special shoutout for writing an 18 year old who actually sounds like an 18 year old.) with very real stakes that hit fast and hard. Bravo.

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    Saw this play read at the Valdez Theatre Conference and it is SO MUCH FUN. I don't remember the last time I laughed so hard in one sitting. As someone with a rough relationship to Christianity, this comedy was very healing to see. And the puns? They keep coming and coming and coming. You've never seen Christ (or Chris?) quite like this. Bravo to John Busser!

    Saw this play read at the Valdez Theatre Conference and it is SO MUCH FUN. I don't remember the last time I laughed so hard in one sitting. As someone with a rough relationship to Christianity, this comedy was very healing to see. And the puns? They keep coming and coming and coming. You've never seen Christ (or Chris?) quite like this. Bravo to John Busser!

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    Saw this read at the Valdez Theatre Conference! Kyle Walker has an incredible gift of immersing the audience in the world of his plays - and in the case of A Glacier Strider, the environment was so rich it was almost a character of its own. Is this a ghost story, or (as Walker explores in the play) a portrait of the past? Either way, I will be thinking about this play for a very long time. Well done!!

    Saw this read at the Valdez Theatre Conference! Kyle Walker has an incredible gift of immersing the audience in the world of his plays - and in the case of A Glacier Strider, the environment was so rich it was almost a character of its own. Is this a ghost story, or (as Walker explores in the play) a portrait of the past? Either way, I will be thinking about this play for a very long time. Well done!!

  • Marshall Logan Gibbs: The Rebellious Angels Enjoy Malört by Michael C. O'Day
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    Saw this read at the Valdez Theatre Conference and it killed! O'Day's character work is, per usual, very impressive. Their voices and relationships are distinct, unique, and layered with history. A love letter to Chicago, to Improv, the Satanic Temple, and Malört (okay, a very complicated love letter in the case of the last one). And he does all this while keeping the laughs rolling and rolling. Bravo to Michael C. O'Day on a terrific play and reading.

    Saw this read at the Valdez Theatre Conference and it killed! O'Day's character work is, per usual, very impressive. Their voices and relationships are distinct, unique, and layered with history. A love letter to Chicago, to Improv, the Satanic Temple, and Malört (okay, a very complicated love letter in the case of the last one). And he does all this while keeping the laughs rolling and rolling. Bravo to Michael C. O'Day on a terrific play and reading.

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  • Marshall Logan Gibbs: Mothman In Heels by Ashton Taylor
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    People have faith in many things - after all, faith is just a trust in something that isn’t tangible. But in this one act, Ashton Taylor proves that whether you believe in cryptids or divine creators… what ultimately matters is the faith you have in yourself. Beautiful work.

    People have faith in many things - after all, faith is just a trust in something that isn’t tangible. But in this one act, Ashton Taylor proves that whether you believe in cryptids or divine creators… what ultimately matters is the faith you have in yourself. Beautiful work.

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  • Marshall Logan Gibbs: Edison's Last Breath by Dan West
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    “Can genius go bad?” I might add that many self-proclaimed ones certainly do! A rich satire on how the wealthy will claim ownership over anything with a dollar sign, no matter the cost fiscally and ethically. But can you REALLY buy genius? Of course- nothing is sacred when you’re spoiled rich! A well done, very biting, and effective short.

    “Can genius go bad?” I might add that many self-proclaimed ones certainly do! A rich satire on how the wealthy will claim ownership over anything with a dollar sign, no matter the cost fiscally and ethically. But can you REALLY buy genius? Of course- nothing is sacred when you’re spoiled rich! A well done, very biting, and effective short.

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  • Marshall Logan Gibbs: EQUALS OF A NATURE by Jack Levine
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    In a world ran by money, it’s hard to know who is really scamming who. This short play is definitely not a love story - and that’s exactly what I love about it. Funny, sharp, and with a satisfying twist. Nice work!

    In a world ran by money, it’s hard to know who is really scamming who. This short play is definitely not a love story - and that’s exactly what I love about it. Funny, sharp, and with a satisfying twist. Nice work!

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  • Marshall Logan Gibbs: The Brain Trust by Brent Alles
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    What matters most in the end? Sometimes it’s the trivial things, as Brent Alles proves in this remarkable one act. The cast may be made up of a cohort of scientists (and their bartending friend!) but this play is not clinical in the slightest. It’s filled with so much humanity. Regardless of the state of the world and our inevitable doom - it’s the humanity that gives you hope.

    What matters most in the end? Sometimes it’s the trivial things, as Brent Alles proves in this remarkable one act. The cast may be made up of a cohort of scientists (and their bartending friend!) but this play is not clinical in the slightest. It’s filled with so much humanity. Regardless of the state of the world and our inevitable doom - it’s the humanity that gives you hope.

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