Recommended by Steven G. Martin

Do you like a little social commentary with your comedy? "Wankenstein" is funny and crass, and it upends a lot of science fiction tropes with its modern tech and philosophy.

There's also a nice, subtle message about LGBTQI+ folks being their own person -- not just a disappointment, accessory, or mascot for straight folks.

If nothing you do is ever good enough for the people you love the most, what are you to do? What if you're 10 years old, and your entire view of self-worth is based on your father's changing views of you? Zonia Tsang's "Up Here to Breathe" is painful, knowing, and -- indeed -- a tragedy.

Established marriages & established science can be dependable, orderly, and sturdy. Credit Jonathan O'Neill for creating this comic one-act that tosses a bit of chaos into the mix for both.

"Little Things Add" is built on a fun premise, and it provides fun character arcs for actors.

Carr's 10-minute comic monologue literally is a eulogy delivered about the socially dismissed by the socially dismissed. There are generous portions of "fuck you" sentiment along with heartfelt love and remembrance of true bonds formed. Joe is unpolished, brash, accusatory, and drunk, but he is also too genuine, honest, and humane to be forgotten.

Why will audiences love "Light Switch"? Osmundsen is so skilled at writing dialogue for distinctive voices; building structure, story and plot; and especially developing characters.

Henry Sullivan, the hero, has multiple layers -- several terrific qualities including intelligence, passion, humor, and earnestness, and also flaws. Which is terrific. Henry is not idealized nor is he entirely defined by being on the autism spectrum; Osmundsen allows him to be human, and audiences will relate to him.

"Light Switch" tells a universal story with the focus on a very specific character. It's terrific theatre.

A little dangerous, a little sexy, and a perhaps a little prologue to the remainder of the characters' night. Susko presents power play and reversal in this short script.

It feels like a universal truth: Men are unable to speak with other men about their emotional wants and needs. Baughfman dramatizes that truth on stage with Josh and Mike in this funny but bittersweet one-minute play.

"Fumblewinter" is a difficult, dark, ridiculous, jarring, and rewarding full-length satire that will shake a lot of audience members. It's funny, violent, heartbreaking, and prophetic.

Although set in 930 A.D., Rachael Carnes takes aim at contemporary issues of power and groupthink, the subjugation of women, environmental catastrophe, and technology as a distraction.

"Fumblewinter" will appeal to directors, designers, and actors who appreciate complexity.

Juntunen's "The First Yes" is a play to enjoy more than once. Its structure, its use of dialogue and commentary, will spark an audience's imagination. Its story of living and loss will touch an audience's emotions.

While the ultimate conflict of "Fable" is a matter of historic fact, DeVita shows the winding path it took to reach the end point. This one-act play has an audacious theatricality and style. It tells a hugely personal and emotional story. All the characters have agendas and flaws and moments of victory and loss. Highly recommended.