Recommended by Steven G. Martin

Rinkel has written a tart comedy that targets the hierarchy of the art world: those who create are at the mercy of those who promote, and those who promote are at the mercy of those who purchase. "Just One" creates a world of rules and power that three well-observed characters navigate, each believing they are in charge.

If ever there were an epic 1-minute play, this may be it. Pithy, witty, and self-aware, "The Longest Opera Ever Written in Just One Minute" is a comic winner. A side benefit: It'll make Saturday matinee broadcasts of the Metropolitan Opera that much more enjoyable. Well done, Rinkel!

I enjoyed a production of "Replay" at Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette's 10-Minute Play Festival in 2018. At the start, Dietsche provides just enough information to pique an audience's interest in the setting, the characters, and their relationship. Slowly, as more details provide answers to the former questions, the audience's interest will be piqued about how the characters will move forward. "Replay" is a charming, understated play.

I enjoyed a production of "Vintages" at the Academy Theatre in Hapeville, Georgia, during its 2019 short play festival, Tapas IV: The Great Divide. Whitehorn sensitively writes about aging, self-worth, and self-acceptance in this short drama. It's biting, sad, funny, and very honest.

I enjoyed a production of "Buckle" at the Academy Theatre in Hapeville, Georgia, during its 2019 short play festival, Tapas IV: The Great Divide. Bray has created a terrific contrast of characters in Star and Jen. Bray respects them and their differences -- neither is an archetype, both are flawed and human. And what probably started as a prank ends with a stronger bond formed between these young women.

I enjoyed a production of "Hamlet's Revenge" at the Academy Theatre in Hapeville, Georgia, during its 2019 short play festival, Tapas IV: The Great Divide. Patterson has written a fun parody of Shakespeare with plenty of nods to modern life, dramatic theory, and just plain silliness.

The aftermath of mass shootings is immediate, catastrophic loss. But there is insidious loss, too. Kaplan's short play shows this with its focus on tone, action, and coincidence. Very well written.

Dietsche's short comedy was an audience favorite at Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette's 10-Minute Play Festival, and rightfully so. She places Mildred and Willa in a high-stakes struggle, battling for the collective soul of their town. The situation is strange, but plausible. The characters are slightly ridiculous, but the audience roots for them. Actors and audiences alike will love every minute.

I had the pleasure of attending the world premiere production of this play at Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette's (Indiana) 10-Minute Play Festival in 2019.

As cities and towns die, their history and legends begin to die with them. Martin explores this in "Muskrat's Ducat" by creating a group of friends reminiscing during a reunion. The relationships are spot-on terrific as Martin creates a genuine sense of camaraderie among the five classmates. And the details of the town, its history, and its mythology are sharp.

"Proverbs" is a delightful, clever, short comedy. Latham's self-imposed restrictions on dialogue will capture the audience's attention and lead them to wonder what's coming next. Well done!