Recommended by John Medlin

"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 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" 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.

This is a monologue that should be in a young actress's rep book. It is surprising. Sincere. It comments on poetry with lines that read like poetry. This is an authentic monologue that touches on the harassment young women of color have to endure by simply existing in the same space as men.

It can be hard to treat yourself. I often feel a responsibility to never dine out, go see things that excite me, or spend time with friends because of the costs. This is all exaggerated by the crippling inflation. "I'm not Okay" is highly relatable in that. Olivia does a wonderful job at creating such fascinating characters in such a short time. I can't wait to be able to see this piece on stage.

"Hashtag Jones" may be short, but it's effective. Olivia Matthews deftly comments on the erasure of identity in an age of social media and mass reporting on people. Especially for people born with dark skin. It tells of Jamal who just wants to be seen as a person. Who is instead put on trial simply for being who they are. It is a great piece with nuanced writing. Sure to pack a punch in any short play festival.

"Creatively Evolved" is a play that experiments with some of the fears creatives have with the rise of AI. Losing our jobs to a machine. It's hard to deny that the human element is part of what makes our art so special. Rachel's play asserts the importance of human stories, and argues for fair pay for the people who are such a key part of the theatremaking process. Her play is clever, mysterious, and thrilling. It would feel right at home in a short play festival with its tight writing, satisfying mystery, and charged themes.

Horror and comedy have such a fun relationship. Scott walks the line between the two forms brilliantly in "Corporeal Punishment". The jokes are pitch-black but effective. The tension could be cut with a knife at parts. The twists and turns keep you on your toes throughout. I love a script that deals with the occult, and this one was highly enjoyable. Definitely check it out if you need a short play in your upcoming season!

As someone who has lost someone to ALS, the changes that follow the diagnosis are terrifying. You wonder when the last conversation with that loved one is going to be. Darrin Friedman captures that fear and sorrow beautifully in this piece. "The Butterfly Anchor" captures the feeling of passing on with Brian while the rest of the cast prepares to enter into a new chapter of their lives. There are quite a few monologues that could be added to an actor's rep book.

"Emancipation" is a clever one-minute play that subverts expectations. The plight of Man and Woman is very relatable for anyone that's ever dieted before. This solid short play would feel at home in any scratch night.