Recommended by Claudia Haas

Barn Wood and Blue Roses seems to be a high-stakes adventure wrapped in blue roses, secret scrolls and dragon wings. But it’s heart is friendship and the lengths young people will go to open their hearts to others even when it hurts. Jacquelyn Priskorn doesn’t shy away from the big ideas - mythic in scope. Instead she meets them head on infusing them with humor, humanity, and moments of welcome grace. A poignant, smartly written play for the youth canon.

Stunning imagery coupled with truths and sweet-toughness. The imagery strengthens characters and brings us to a tough finish line that may be inevitable but is challenging. A gorgeous piece of theatre that will resonate when produced. So., produce it.

A play that breaks your soul, explodes the heart, and makes you ponder - "did we learn anything form the past? Is it too late to start now?" Wirsansky use of history pleads for more humanity. This short play may just be a tiny blip in a history class but is the world in a class dedicated to ethics. More ethics, please. More discussion.

Devilishly original - Marshall Logan Gibbs weaves a spell of one part comedy, 1 part horror, a pinch of mental health and a touch of pop culture to create a play that keeps you guessing and laughing and wondering. It’s a spooky treat for audiences and actors. Take a peek and enjoy the ride. It’s a clever, fast one.

I was a bit wiped from the news cycle and wanted a moment of joy. Martin gives us a character that radiates joy in herself but gives the spark to others - including me. You’ll feel like dancing after this. Time for the happy playlist.

So I read this to my cat (currently sitting in a box) and while I wanted to get to know Norkin’s cat better, my cat just shook his head and did “the face” that said, “Poor cat. Doesn’t know what they’re missing.” A monologue that will delight cat and dog lovers alike plus the physical choices for the actor are endless.

This is Norkin at his finest. While he challenges the reasons and background for hate, he manages to infuse the play with humanity. Although the play explore the darkest of subjects, Norkin finds some light. Can we sign a petition to get this on stages everywhere? Hate is a choice. So is hope.

A sweet, original rom-com for teens. You may want to go back to your teens, grab a ladder and a stick, climb as high as you dare and shake a stick at the moon. Or if you want to play it safe, read the play. Or if you want to really experience the whole shebang, produce the play. It’s guaranteed to cover you in moonglow. Audiences and performers can always use more moonglow.

Be careful what you wish for? I always thought teleporting would make my life easier. Wrong! I thought teleporting would allow me more time to do what I wanted. Wrong again. If you think you’re busy now, just wait until you’re teleporting. Wild gives you the gift of seeing firsthand a few minutes in the life of a teleporter. It’s a wild and fun ride.

Friendship, first love, a kiss is not just a kiss - in a scant twenty minutes we are treated to what is sweet in life. A meadow, a kite, a birthday and more. Give yourself the time to walk in the meadow with Louisa and don’t stray from the treeline. The play’s a charmer. And it doesn’t have to be your birthday to open this present.