Recommended by Craig Houk

A sharply written, fast-paced short with a great balance of comedy and suspense. But seriously. Are we just going to ignore what Trey did?

A completely new theatrical experience for me from John Busser. Known for delivering top-tier — if not the very best — comedy, Busser surprises with an emotionally charged piece overflowing with heart and hope. A blend of sci-fi and the hopeful promise of political change, this play has the potential to deeply resonate with audiences everywhere. Exceptional work.

I share this life with my partner year-round, so I fully understand the subtle nuances in this beautifully crafted portrayal of two men of a certain age who, despite their differences, share a profound love for one another. A highly comedic — and dare I say, sexually charged — piece that’s both sweet and thoroughly entertaining. A standout addition to any shorts festival and an undeniably crowd-pleasing hit.

Garrett W. Martin’s Of Kings and Queens is a moving look at friendship, memory, and the strength it takes to care for someone you love. Set in a city park and brought to life with creative staging, the play draws us into the world of Ernie and Walt, two lifelong friends whose regular chess games become a lifeline in the face of Ernie’s advancing dementia. Very nice work.

Hero Work is a highly entertaining exploration of where heroism and journalism intersect, shining a light on the courage it takes to challenge corruption and the personal cost of trying to make a difference, all while navigating the demands of work and life in a capitalist society. Boldly theatrical, sharply comedic, and deeply human. Very nice work.

A laugh-out-loud short comedy by Thompson. Recently deceased, Carl finds himself facing an unusual afterlife evaluation conducted by two celestial gatekeepers: Michael, the embodiment of order and morality, and Lucy, the agent of chaos and irreverence. As Carl's clueless selfishness clashes with Michael's and Lucy's wildly opposing styles, the trio becomes an absurd and hilarious mix of personalities on a journey to determine Carl’s eternal fate. Nicely done.

Ken Love delivers a masterful work. An emotionally layered script driven by sharp, evocative dialogue. Seamlessly blending realism with symbolism, he explores the complexities of human relationships and the enduring shadows of troubled pasts. The play navigates themes of family and legacy, infidelity and betrayal, masculinity and identity, and mortality and redemption. Few playwrights create such immersive, resonant worlds as Love. An exceptional piece. Highly recommended.

Kato is a formidable writer w/ a twisted view & a distinct style. W/ Chanda by the Sea, he soars! A brilliant blend of humor & pathos. He grounds his quirky/offbeat characters in a way that is hugely successful, in a way that sends ripples throughout the play. At its center: a writer struggling to push on, trying to forgive himself, looking to recapture his creativity, & being forced to take responsibility. A well-crafted play w/ heart & humor, & a surprising act 1 into act 2 reveal. Stage this!

Mendez is an exceedingly well-rounded & well-versed playwright w/ a brilliant sense of humor. He has the unique ability to lay down some of the most superbly crafted & cutting dialogue that I’ve read in a long time. With A Jar in The Forest, Mendez brings together four notable women who contemplate their lives & the purpose of men in them. It seems Mendez might be poking fun at men’s usefulness, though there’s some biting commentary on women as well. Deliciously layered work. Highly recommend.

Beautifully crafted dialogue between a man and a woman who wake up nose to nose on the floor of a train to the West Coast. Syran quickly and deftly spins the audience into a lively, occasionally tense, but mostly genial debate about the origin of the earth and how science and religion are historically at odds with one another, though they can and do coexist, and certainly complement one another. Solid work. A great addition to any shorts festival.