Recommended by Jeffrey James Keyes

Gatton is a wonderfully remarkable dramatist and this was a joy to read. The Oktavist is well constructed and electric ten-minute play. There are so many directions I thought this play could go but his characters (and intelligent storytelling) surprised me at each turn. This is a joyful and nuanced play, one I’d love to see up on it’s feet. Well done.

I enjoy the commentary A.B. Harrison is making about our society in After Playtime. In Harrison’s play, God is just a child playing much like many of us are just playing while animals become extinct, sources of warer run by, and the beautiful and complicated world burns around us. This play gave me a lot to think about. Well done.

Heyman’s powerful, emotional drama is an intense but immensely satisfying play. The setting was familiar but I the scene immediately drew me in and made me frightened for his protagonist. This is a fine example of clear, daring storytelling with a tremendous payoff. Great work.

I had the great fortune of taking in this experience when it was at Rattlestick last year and was so moved by the experience I went back two times. Thank you for writing this truly enlightening piece of drama that is immersive in ways I have always wanted immersive theater to be. This is a wonderfully important work that everyone should know. One of the best theatrical experiences I've ever engaged with. Thank you for your work in this space.

I love the sense of community rallying behind Donnelly's central character in Seventh Inning Stretch. This is a wonderful heartfelt short play that is well written and performance ready. Donnelly illustrates a keen sense of the many facets and nuances of humanity in his play. I find his exploration of what happens after an awkward proposal that goes sour to be clever, witty, and ever so endearing. Well done.

Heyman's play The Closet Door gave me all the feels. I really love the way this skilled playwright draws us back to the confusing and explorative college years. This play features clear, well-constructed characters, strong dialogue, and a fun plot that is both sweet and amusing. I really appreciate this riff on a familiar queer love story. Well done!

Really beautiful work, All. I'll never look at Hopper's painting the same. I would love to see this piece up on its feet as there's something quiet and haunting that comes through in the story. Kantor sets the scene so well and her dialogue is carefully crafted. I can almost hear the buzzing sound of fluorescent lights above and taste the cake and snacks from the machines. Well done.

The powerful short play Delete unveils the dark corners of where we are now. Priskorn’s smart dialogue and powerful storytelling offer a profound comment on society with a few dark comedic gems. The ending is…woah. So well done.

Bicknell’s hilarious comedy is a delightful read and would surely make for a fun night of theatre. I love the characters and the dialogue is well drawn. This romantic comedy has some fun “Squid Game” undertones that makes the rising action and climax all the more fun to enjoy. I look forward to reading and enjoying more work by this talented playwright.

I really enjoyed this short horror. Soucy does a great job of creating a world that’s both suspenseful and intriguing. I love the build up to the unexpected reveal and found the ending both satisfying as well as haunting. Well done!