Recommended by Arthur M Jolly

An absolutely stunningly original piece about a subject that we only think has been thoroughly examined. Jessie Salsbury's novel take on the prevalence of gun violence in our schools finds a new way to open up our hearts to a conversation that we desperately need. It's an important play, a vital play–how often can we say that about a ten minute piece? It was the subject of plenty of hallway discussions at the MDC, and will do the same for your audience.

I too was lucky enough to see this one at the Midwest Dramatists Conference. It's a beautiul, character-driven slice of life that feels voyeuristic in its absolute believability; like you are spying on a couple's private conversation. It is filled with powerful lines. "I bet it smells like dirt" will live with me.

Well-crafted characters confront an inexplicable experience... leaving us with no easy answers, but a sense that we, like Charlotte and Eleanor, have been given a privileged glimpse into the profound. This is a fascinating play about a little known event, but Mickere uses it as a springboard to look at the world her characters must face as they weigh the risks of coming forwards with their experience while trying to conceal their identities.

I was lucky enough to see the Los Angeles production - hysterically funny, timely, and heartwarming. Blevins has created something very, very clever - using finely crafted iambic pentameter to disarm her audience and seduce them into a world of fantastically complex relationships interwoven between some of the funniest characters ever.

Like all great satire, this play hides complicated truths and important questions beneath a veneer of silly, frantic fun... but what a hysterical, original premise for the fun it has! A sure-fire crowd-pleaser with some important life lessons that will linger. I loved the use of ASL and the respect for it!

I was privileged to see this one at the OOB Festival. Michael's perfectly crafted dialogue brings a complex relationship between a father and his young daughter to vivid life with so much depth and nuance, that it's amazing how concise it is. This feels like a full-length play that unfolds in only ten minutes, and yet never feels rushed or forced. Engrossing, moving, resonant... and so funny!

Wickedly funny, a true ensemble piece that explores the mutable dynamics of friend groups with laser focus and a satirical eye. The play captures the complexity of the characters's relationships with vivid detail, and unmerciless humor. You won't forget Aaron and his closest friends.

I was lucky enough to see this one at the OOB Festival - a beautiful, moving play that brings a world to vivid life in a few pages. There's a powerhouse role for an older actor, but all three characters are well-crafted, filled with depth and nuance. Outstanding work.

A refreshingly original glimpse of life, and a wonderful lesson about attitude being the salvation from circumstances that cannot change, even, as in the case of Doxy and Wilkin, when you are locked side by side in the same pillory. Jillian Blevins has crafted a beautiful, hopeful tale of resilience and defiance, and made it wickedly funny, raunchy and joyful!

Absolutely brilliant. An intriguing, thought-provoking, conversation-starting gem of a play. There is so much depth between these characetrs, so much unspoken, so much implied - and the dialogue vibrates with energy. The conversation between a teacher and a principal over the teacher's conduct resonates, and the questions it raises linger. I never saw the ending coming, and it's perfect.