Recommended by John Medlin

Christopher was able to accomplish so much in such a short play. Time to Talk is equal parts tragic and hope. It's a beautifully written piece that captures the brevity of life and the endlessness of possibility.

Last Night, First Time is a touching short play. I love the frank discussions that the mother and daughter are able to have. Especially when it gets to topics that people tend to tip-toe around. It is a refreshing reminder that sometimes it's best to have those awkward, difficult talks. Yeah, you might end up imagining a family member in a compromising position, but you might end up protecting them from making the same mistakes you did. And sometimes that risk is worth it.

Cole really knows how to raise the "stakes" in their plays, don't they? This piece was fun. I love the chemistry between Danny and Blair. Navigating a blind date can be so awkward and it was a joy to see these two stumble through it.

For a play about the world of fortune-telling and mysticism, this play is so grounded in reality. It showcases the awkward glances and tentative touches that come with meeting a crush. This play is equal parts heartwarming and funny. And a great reminder that sometimes the best things in life are the little surprises.

It's amazing how easy it is to trivialize other people's experiences when one's never experienced it themself. In the case of this play, that is horrible car accidents. One can sense that Dave Osmundsen writes with the macro in mind. To me, lines like "if they didn't want that attention, they should've been more careful driving" harken to arguments about SA and women's rights. It's a short play that is surprisingly and deceptively deep, while still being enjoyable. This is thanks to the two detestable, but relatable protagonists. I highly recommend this show for a short play festival.

"The Seconds in Between" explores the things that happen when we aren't paying attention. This chilling short play shows a disturbing world where looking at the wrong place at the wrong time can result in being torn in half. Or not. Mia Todarello cleverly uses ambiguity like classic gothic horror in a piece built for any season in need of some creepy fun.

I read this imagining the characters were played by two women, and it was perfection. "We Were Such Friends" is a fun short play about the memories bros share. Both good and bad. The more insane the memories are, the funnier it gets. Ben Rosenblatt has created a great short play that would be a good choice for any short play festival.

The stuff we have can be so entwined with the memories associated with them. Mark Harvey Levine's one-minute play is a sentimental piece on the power of memories and attachment to the inanimate. As well as the frustrations of being with someone who can't seem to get rid of stuff, something I'm very familiar with as my husband keeps just about everything. This is a charming play that would do great in any one-minute play festival.

How different would life be if we lived without fear? Marcia's one-minute play is an excellent example of an opportunity missed. The tragedy of could-be companions squandered due to fear or anxiety. It is a relatable tale of a circumstance that everyone has had at some point.

Failure can be devestating. Golem knows this as neo Nazis parade through Charlottesville as they have many times before. While the golem questions their failure, the audience can't help but question the failures of society. To let hate go unchecked for so long. Jacob's monologue is melancholic but enlightening. It's a story monologue that still manages to engage and enthrall. I always enjoy hearing stories from other cultures, and this one was a joy to read. Job well done.