Recommended by DC Cathro

A beautiful exploration of the beginnings of a new familial relationship, told with humor, grief, anger, and love. Brilliant characters and an unusual but naturally believable plot draw in the reader and leave an emotional impression. Touching and lovely work.

Layers! This is a fun piece, very “meta” in idea and structure and that’s what draws you in and works for the humor. Are they acting? Or “ACTING?” Or something else entirely? The play rolls along with quick dialogue and a frolicking feel. Sweet and emotionally varied, “A Play Within a Play Within a Play” is a delight.

A larger-than-life tragedy, coupled with an intimate one… “Imperfect Storms” contains drama, disaster, paranormal romance, and some intriguing and challenging characters that actors would love to tackle. It feels cinematic in nature. Technically and visually challenging as well, this is a beautiful and heartbreaking tale, told honestly and with the wonder that Scott Sickles is known for.

As one who exhibits definite hoarder-like tendencies, this short but powerful piece hit home. Visually fascinating and challenging, you’ll relate and feel with (and for) these women. A strong statement on consumerism and the desire to leave behind a meaningful legacy. Lovely, sad, and hopeful.

Creepy, with a slow burn like a lit fuse. Visual and active, engaging in both the business and the release of information, hooking the reader early and not letting go until the fuse reaches its final destination… Plus a good moral that makes a statement on a hotbed issue of the day. Excellent.

A funny-slash-scary (pun intended) takeoff of a certain horror movie franchise, “Seen” reels you in with drama and laughs, but ends with a twist of the knife. Creepy good fun!

I’ve had these thoughts, of my own mortality and when it will end, and who I want to be with. Radtke captures a moment, a terrible moment, and fills it with a sense of loss and longing, but also beauty. This one minute piece will have you dwelling on a single moment and wondering about your own.

The back and forth, life and death struggle of this piece will grab you and hold tight. Actors will relish these roles, the outside calm while panic rages underneath, both characters stubborn and fighting for control of the situation. The emotions are real, desperate, and keep this play bounding ahead until something has to break. Thrilling, realistically terrifying, and impactful.

What an incredible little piece. I loved the structure, the premise, the humor, the thoughtfulness that went into it. I want to perform it. So unique and creative, the audience will get drawn in immediately. Absolutely thrilling to read, despite the laid-back tone. Did I mention I want to perform it? Or at least see it brought to life. Really wonderful.

Combine your stereotypical mob boss with your anything-but-typical North Pole elf and you get one naughty story! The way I pictured this conversation in my head had me hooked from the get-go. A definite holiday twist and the perfect short piece for anyone who’s seen “Rudolph” or “It’s a Wonderful Life” one too many times. Incredibly fun! Bah!