Recommended by Craig Houk

Set in a dim basement past midnight, Mikey and Ryan pry open a stolen suitcase expecting quick cash, only to uncover something far more horrifying. As panic, guilt, and suspicion spiral, their friendship fractures under the weight of a terrible secret. Tense, darkly comic, and chillingly intimate, Valaise offers actors a gripping two-hander that builds relentless suspense from a simple, haunting premise.

In “You Talk White,” two twelve-year-olds, Bell and Desmond, meet in a driveway and discover friendship through imagination, games, and honest conversation. As their playful adventure gives way to difficult truths about identity, race, and belonging, the script reveals the pressures young people face to fit in. Tender, funny, and emotionally direct, the play offers actors rich character work and a moving exploration of authenticity and courage.

Last First Date offers a tender and humorous encounter between Reggie, a candid young man, and Arthur, a widower navigating his first same-sex date at seventy-five. What begins as an awkward setup evolves into an honest conversation about grief, identity, love, and second chances. With sharp dialogue, heartfelt vulnerability, and two richly drawn characters, the play provides actors a deeply human and moving piece to bring to life.

Set in a bar that echoes fading fame and fractured memory, this play is a poignant meditation on love, guilt, and reckoning. A once-celebrated actor’s Alzheimer’s forces his daughter to confront buried truths: an affair, a half-brother, and her mother’s tragic death in a long-ago fire. As the past collides with the present, his loyal best friend and wife remain steadfast, embodying grace, chosen family, and devotion until the end. A tight script and a compelling story. Highly recommend.

Mourning Woods Merengue is a lively, contemporary comedy-drama that blends late-life romance, the quest for purpose after retirement, and wonderfully chaotic family dynamics, all powered by the vibrant pulse of Latin dance. It’s an engaging, character-forward piece with both heart and bite, making it an excellent project for anyone looking to produce a show that pairs meaningful themes with irresistible humor.

A heartfelt and thought-provoking monologue that captures the complexities of motherhood, independence, and feminism. With honesty and humor, it reveals the bittersweet emotions of raising a strong, self-reliant daughter who grows into her own life. Relatable and deeply human, it offers actors a nuanced performance piece and gives audiences an authentic, emotionally rich story. A moving reflection on the joys and challenges of motherhood. Nicely done.

Neil Radtke’s Scraps is a beautifully crafted monologue exploring universal themes of love, loss, and self-worth. Jordan laments Riley’s indifference, moving from love and devotion to frustration and ultimately the decision to walk away. Its raw emotional depth and relatable portrayal of a relationship’s collapse would make this piece a standout as part of any shorts or monologue showcase. Nicely done.

Jarred Corona’s short play No One Will Be With You Shortly is a poignant and deeply introspective work that lays bare Deirdre’s despair, her yearning for connection, and her fierce determination to keep living despite the weight of her circumstances. Exploring themes of loneliness, fractured family ties, and the will to survive, Corona crafts a piece that is both unsettling and profoundly moving, leaving a lasting impression on its audience.

Floyd-Priskorn has crafted a suspenseful and engaging short play, masterfully building tension and intrigue through the dialogue between Kerry and Cal, keeping the audience off balance throughout. The play's twist adds a layer of horror that is both chilling and thought-provoking. It's a short yet impactful piece that will leave you contemplating the nature of fear and the unknown. Whether you're a fan of horror or enjoy well-crafted storytelling, this play is worth your time.

In Kieran Khanna's 37 Origami Bees, the Queen Bee is bold, witty, and completely over the dating scene. Her search for a King Bee is both hilarious and heartbreaking, capturing the universal desire for love and validation. Her journey from desperation to empowerment is relatable and inspiring. Nicely done.