Recommended by John Medlin

New Years always come with their fair share of promise and regret. That is what Cole Dzubak writes about in this monologue. The piece starts with such humor and home, but then dwells on the regrets Ryan has. Cole has managed to create a monologue that allows the actor to bring their own interpretation into it. Is Ryan genuinely happy their ex moved on or are they coping? Either way, this piece would be a solid addition to any rep book.

Jack Bathke has created a concise tragedy that encapsulates the shifts people went through with Covid. How going to the grocery store suddenly feels like a strange thing for those of us who survived. It is a touching reminder of those who did not survive. And the space they left behind. That all of this could fit in a one-minute play is impressive.

"Cicadas" is an atmospheric play about a budding romance. It's easy to imagine the distant thumping of a party mixing with the song of the cicadas that serve as the accompaniment of this well-written piece. Both Trace and Sandra serve as reminders of life fresh out of high school. Both are trying to figure out their next step and who that step will be with. I enjoyed discovering their relationship with one another as the play progressed.

Honestly, mood. I feel like anyone apathetic to sports who has spent time with a sports enthusiast has had an encounter like this at some point in their life. "Basketball Madness" is relatable and funny. If you're looking for something around the season finale of basketball or football, this is a great choice.

I read this play and thought sometimes you're the cow. Sometimes you're the man. "Push Comes to Shove" by Debra A. Cole is a quick but well-written piece. I found it funny, but I'm interested to see how other people would read and stage it. If you're looking for something short, this piece is a great choice!

Christopher Plumridge has assembled an interesting one-woman show through their dialogue with Martha. "I Have No Words" gives a deeply personal look into life in Ukraine in the midst of war. This piece is personal, eye-opening, and necessary. While this is Martha's story, Christopher has flexed their ability as a dramaturg in making it easy to understand and ready for the stage. It's nice to see that the royalties will go to support Martha and her family as well.

Gretchen, Alison, and Max each want a bedtime story from Grandma. What starts as a sweet nighttime ritual becomes something sinister. "Story Time" is a darkly comic masterpiece for short theatre. Sam Heyman has crafted a piece that is tight, surprising, and very funny. This piece would be a fantastic selection for any short play festival. Especially at a college level.

"Out" is a tense exploration of a decaying relationship. Scott's dialogue flows smoothly and captures the heartbreak of the characters wonderfully.

This is a one-person play that requires a conversation afterward. It is haunting, somewhat ambiguous, and interesting. Scott Cantrell packs a lot of storytelling into this short, ten-ish-minute piece. It's a good choice for actors wanting to delve into non-realism.

A military setting with Durang-esque comedy? Sign me up! "Petty Drama Officer" is a short play about spilling some tea. It is absurd in all of the right ways.