Recommended by Brent Alles

As an annual visitor to the South Florida area, just the inclusion of the different species here made me smile at first and nod in recognition. Then the enjoyment builds as there are very funny parts throughout: character traits and quirks, wordplay, you name it. A good variety of technique! Then we get to Pete's history and that's when this got elevated for me. What can i say? Williams hit my sweet spot when it comes to comedic references. An extremely enjoyable 10-minute with the potential for colorful costuming and fun performances. That's all, folks!

A good little piece of horror here. Zabel uses a lot of effective techniques throughout the work to build tension and dread. Everything moves to a thrilling climax and then a suitably chilling denouement.

An incredibly crafted and moving monologue from Avery here. I appreciate the privilege of being able to read it, as it not only engaged me but educated me as well. I look forward to this monologue being performed in the future and hopefully giving others a similar experience.

A wonderful one act, with incredibly engaging and natural conversation between the two characters. We're able to learn a lot about these two through the narrative, and the fact that it manages to still surprise us as we go along is definitely a fine thing as we enjoy the ebb and flow of the dialogue between these two women. The authenticity here is excellent, and it's easy to see why this would be an enjoyable short play for a festival or otherwise. It was high time indeed getting to spend a few moments with Freida and Billie.

A remarkable magical and mythological world created by Hass here. There are comedic lines throughout that really tickled me, but there's also a surprising depth. The structure created allows for the fantastic, of course, but there's also definite exploration of these characters: where they’ve been, where they’re going, what they want, etc. A pretty ingenious delivery system, if you ask me. The world building and descriptive pieces make this an incredibly fun read as well. That being said, this would make an exciting piece to see staged as well. Hoping the magic gets a chance to shine!

The exploration of language draws you in at first: semiotics, symbolism, scansion. Then, the use of the "stars" as constant yet ever-changing motif intrigues you further and eventually allows for an impactful climax. The use of "voices" as a modern interpretation of a "chorus"... inventive! Jackson is an involving protagonist. You totally get invested in his journey: at times measured, at times chaotic, and at times perhaps disastrous. This play takes no easy shortcuts, which is appreciated. Can't wait to see it performed at some point... I'm quite sure it will be!

Of course the absurdity of the premise was created by our whacked-out times, but the premise allows for Blevins to go exploring in a very enjoyable manner. It's darkly funny while at the same time able to probe many issues deeply, which the best satire often does. The interaction between David and Talia is great - funny at times, poignant at others. Easy to see why this is an admired 10-minute, and it would be an excellent piece for festivals and actors around the world. (Except, perhaps, for those places that need a good laser blast.) Great sci-fi stuff!

An admirable play for young performers that also will resonate with those who view it. There's harshness in here, sure, but it's sadly realistic. Smith has created an effective delivery method for young audiences to confront the prejudices towards others that have the potential to develop within us all. The characters are all well drawn, however, and there are some pretty wonderful moments to be found within the grim scenario that's envisioned. I admire a play that's written to not talk down to its audiences but instead meet them on their level and hopefully educate while it entertains.

Fascinating to read pieces like this, "post pandemic," whatever that means. Writing this recommendation over four years after we first encountered COVID-19, and sometimes it feels like 40 years ago, other times like 40 minutes ago. I'm recommending this piece for many reasons, first and foremost the fascinating concept of "The Stranger." There are many perspectives to consider here in the language of the work, which is commendable. Also, Beatles fans are certainly going to have a field day with the myriad references contained within. Meaning in a chance encounter. How will we proceed? One can only Imagine.

This piece effectively captures the biplay between certain guys, and yes, that's probably the proper term here. Filled with places where I found myself laughing heartily, sometimes just due to the rhythm between these three friends. However, beneath the sometimes rude and crude behavior, there's also empathy and poignancy here as well. First and foremost, this is very funny, but it's also deftly juggling a lot of balls as well as the brief narrative unfolds. (Hoping Gary, Jeff, and Sal would enjoy that last turn of phrase. Probably, they'd just bust me for it, which, fair.) Definitely check this out!