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John Medlin

Recommended by John Medlin

  • Second Book Syndrome by Sam Heyman
    23 May. 2023
    “ There comes a point in working on a story where the characters in the story start to take a life of their own. This moment is both terrifying and exhilarating. Heyman has managed to capture those extremes brilliantly in his play "Second Book Syndrome". Robert's struggle is deeply relatable as he wrestles with characters who quite literally have formed a life of their own. This piece is funny, relatable, and is paced wonderfully. Yet another great piece from Sam Heyman. ”
  • DON'T BELIEVE EVERYTHING THEY SAY by Marj O'Neill-Butler
    4 May. 2023
    “ I enjoyed reading "Don't Believe Everything They Say". It's an excellent piece that comments on the performative activism so common in the world today. It touches on the "let's play by their rules" mentality that I'm sure many politically frustrated have had. Its humor is bleak but well-written. The characters are wonderfully realized. Their dialogue flows smoothly from one line to the next. Include this show in your next short play festival to, hopefully, push a person or two to action. ”
  • The Green Door by James Perry
    4 May. 2023
    “ "The Green Door" is a cinematic short play about the call to adventure and fate's grip on us. The play is well written with dialogue that resembles the work of O. Henry. The world of the piece is wonderfully realized with details that point back to the story that inspired it. All in all, it was a great read that would be interesting to see on the stage. ”
  • Posession by Julia Barbee
    3 May. 2023
    “ Undertaking a possession story in ten minutes is no easy feat. Julia Barbee's crack at it is successful in its grotesque climax. There is wonderful tension in the second half of this piece. There is one bit with a rose that was particularly unsettling to me. Check out this piece if you're a fan of Evil Dead, The Conjuring, or other possession stories. ”
  • The Ghost Tour by Lou Jones
    3 May. 2023
    “ "The Ghost Tour" boasts an air of mystery surrounding Edward, the strange Victorian-garbed tour guide. Lou Jones has created a suspenseful piece. Jordan, Jessica, Anna, and Emma feel like the cast of a 90s horror flick. The style is like that of R.L. Stein or Alvin Schwartz. It is an enjoyable short play that can add a thrill to any one-act festival. ”
  • Tales From The Hill by Sam Heyman
    3 May. 2023
    “ Sam Heyman really hit it out of the park with this one. "Tales From the Hill is an exceptional piece of queer drama. Each of the one-act plays intersects beautifully with one another. The character development is top-notch. It's serving "Heartstoppers". While they can be performed separately, these plays work so well together as well. Sam's writing is funny, heartwarming, and enthralling from start to finish. I could see "Tales From the Hill" being a hit with college theatre departments. ”
  • Heroes of the Fourth Turning by Will Arbery
    2 May. 2023
    “ I went into reading this play pretty blind. I'm glad I did! Will Arbery has crafted characters that aren't often seen in theatre with such sincerity! I found myself on edge through most of this script thanks to the masterful dialogue and well-developed characters. The story yanked me immediately back to when I was in the evangelical church. The self-loathing of some of the characters was deeply relatable. The conversation on the conservative relationship with Trump is nuanced and fascinating. All in all, this is a piece of exceptional writing that belongs on the stage. ”
  • LAUNDRY by Adanna Paul
    2 May. 2023
    “ "Laundry" by Adanna Paul is filled with shocking imagery, poetic dialogue, and a message that begs to be excavated from this nuanced script. Its comments on gun violence and domestic terrorism from white supremacists are timely and are, sadly, more important now than ever. You can feel the justified frustration in the dialogue. Designers, especially with lighting and scenery, have a ton to work with. This piece screams to be performed. I look forward to being able to see it. ”
  • Slippage by John Cirilli
    2 May. 2023
    “ "Slippage" by John Cirilli is a great short play. The build into absurdity is done quite well. I found myself laughing audibly as the situation got more ridiculous. This piece would be a great chance for comic actors to stretch their legs. ”
  • Urashima Taro by Morey Norkin
    2 May. 2023
    “ "Urashima Taro" is a fascinating adaptation of Japanese Folklore. Morey's storytelling in this short play is exceptional. Its adherence to the culture it was borne from reads respectfully. Designers could potentially have a great time putting this show together. This show would be a great selection for any age group. ”

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