Recommended by Anj Marie Riffel

What a lovely testimony of how a life well-lived impacts those around them. DEBRA A. COLE gives us a peek at a sweet, intergenerational collegiate relationship that puts Rodney Dangerfield to shame. This is a perfect monologue for a young actor to show wit and tenderness. And leaves the audience with a little extra spring in the step, hoping we can be like a little like Helen too. (Bonus points for permission to eat cake!)

Ooh, boy... that ending line? I'll be feeling that one for awhile. DEBRA A. COLE has written a touchingly beautiful — and also authentically ugly — play depicting real struggles, real emotions, and real life. There's much I could say, but my highest recommendation would be to read it for yourself. And then get this in front of an audience. It will no doubt, speak to many hearts.

"Something's wrong." From the first line to the last, I went on a journey with Claire. Feeling what she was feeling. Seeing what she was seeing. And wanting to reassure her that she would be okay. D. Lee Miller has written a wonderfully descriptive monologue that would give a young actress the chance to show off her skills!

JULIE BRANDON thoughtfully touches so many soft spots in this play that strikes a melancholy mood, but also presents a gentle way to process themes of grief and loss. We quickly connect with Gwen and Sam, mourn with them, hope with them. Such a beautifully written piece.

Chilling. In her new 5-minute play, DEBRA A. COLE has given us characters whose boo-worthy behavior is tragic, vomitous – and unfortunately all too real. And as terrifying as it is, I can't help but have hope for Violet. The glimpse we're given of her outrage shows that her spark is alive and well. These foolish boys underestimate her. Such a powerful commentary – would love to see this produced!

Sometimes our surface desires lead to revelations of deeper longings, opening the door for synchronicity. In this lovely short play, JULIE BRANDON takes us on a quest for silence, but leaves us with much more. Peace is about so much more than quiet. Profound!

I absolutely love the cadence of this piece. It reminded me of my grandparents, who were conversation minimalists much like the characters DEBRA A. COLE has beautifully crafted in this short play. We don't need a flowery outpouring of words to feel the emotion building between them – in fact, the space created by fewer words carries its own intensity. Such a sweet moment captured, that leaves you with a feeling of hopefulness. Lovely!

From the creative imagination of DEBRA A. COLE comes a short play that will make me think twice before taking my dog out tonight. The mental image alone may haunt me for some time to come. I'd sure love to see the audience response for this one!

Ooh, gotta love the satisfying reveal in this new 10-minute play by DEBRA A. COLE. This one has all the goods: it will make audiences think, feel, learn... and smile. SUNRISE is absolutely lovely, and powerful too, as it shines a light on ugly truths and grace in action.

BED OF ROSES poses the age-old question: If a woman's husband is being a stinker, should she be told? Either way, the thorny nature of her husband's clandestine activity will likely get him in the end. And in the meantime, audiences can have a good chuckle at thought.