Recommended by Steven G. Martin

The satire hits hard on the cosmetics industry, the marketing scammers, and social pressures on young girls. "There is No Other Path" left me cringing, laughing, and feeling angry. I hope its production history multiplies.

"Laundry Day" is a terrific one-minute drama that includes a rich comeuppance for one of its characters. Well done, Neil Radtke. I wish I'd written this.

You will care about a sock puppet. You will care about the man who cares about the sock puppet, Lee Lawing's writing squeezes your heart and won't let go. Astounding monologue.

"I Knew Him" is an outstanding example of the power of empathy and listening and understanding: Lives change.

An intense, pulse-pounding thriller.

I'd love to watch "Perfect" in performance. The tone of this short play by Kerry Kazmierowicztrimm shifts throughout, but there's a subtle, underlying, "not-quite-right" feeling from the start. And it ratchets up with multiple reveals and genuine surprises. I love that the climax of the conflict is visual, and it is breathtaking and funny and a little upsetting all at once. Better yet, I love how "Perfect" makes me wonder about character backstory and what has led to this moment Kerry Kazmierowicztrimm has dramatized. An excellent, complex short play.

Robert J. LeBlanc imbues a sense of tension and dread throughout "The Angel" from character introduction to the final tragic beat, which feels inevitable. It's a chilling short play and an audience will enjoy the goosebumps.

Maximillian Gill's skill opens up what seems to be a straightforward story into a complex appreciation of the different types of storytelling and their impact: to protect, to distract, to soothe, to inform and more. Tales and the retelling of tales that were told bloom in "And Shahrazad Broke Of ..." And audiences will realize through Gill's writing that not all tales are pretty or have a happy ending, which doesn't mean that they shouldn't be told.

Crisp dialogue, broad character types, and a clear conflict. Sam Heyman's added a nice layer of depth, too. "The Golden Egg Cream Gold Club" is a cheeky comedy and social satire that audiences and performers will love.

Kelly McBurnette-Andronicos creates a krazy kwilt of comedy with Cat Ladies, Ouija boards, irascible technology that'll put haters in place ("You shut up."), gaslighting, and some genuinely heartwarming support.

"Cat Funeral" packs just the right amount of cringe, chaos, and (ultimately) warm emotions in 10 minutes. This is a memorable comedy.