Recommended by Jeffrey James Keyes

As someone who found themself in similar situations to young Bertram as a kid, I wish I had the vocabulary and confidence to stand up to a bully in this fashion. Sickles' monologue is eloquent and powerful. Bertram not only defends himself with grace, but also teaches his bully (and the audience) a useful tip. Thank you for this powerful (and educational) monologue.

Martin's monologue A Humble Path is equally compelling and riveting. I felt sweat at my temples as my clammy hands turned the pages of his strong reveal of exposition and psychological drama. I'm always impressed with Martin's storytelling and this piece doesn't stray from other strong work I've read by this impressive dramatist.

Sugar illuminates O'Grady's masterful storytelling. In this powerful ten-minute play, a gripping and urgent drama unfolds. I appreciate the way O'Grady set up the story and built to the climax of this piece. It's truly one of the best short plays I've read...and I'd love to see it performed. Thank you for this fine work.

I was really moved by Jaxson's different take on a holiday play. The setup was really fun and well-drawn and the turn at the end of this piece made me gasp and realize how smart Mackling is. This excellent short would be a terrific (and unexpected) addition to an evening of holiday themed one act plays. Well done.

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!