Recommended by Steven G. Martin

Sharai Bohannon masterfully twists and turns an audience's expectations and opinions in this short play. There are moments of physical and verbal humor, sympathy, dread and even horror throughout -- all nicely played out both in action and dialogue of the two sisters and a visitor to their apartment. Terrific characters that are defined by dialogue and action, a streamlined story and wonderful atmosphere. Very well done.

What's an international super-spy to do when she realizes her arch-enemy has turned her into a child? Throw a tantrum, of course, followed by be horrified at the prospect of reliving adolescence a second time. Radtke's BARCELONA combines strong characters, funny dialogue and more than a bit of physical humor and action. Plus, an ending line that summarizes the events perfectly.

In this comic gem of a short play, Scott Haan reveals not only how the conflict of the hungry customer and the fast-food employee plays out but also why. Fun to read, even better to watch in production when the actors have strong chemistry with one another.

Neil Radtke pulls out all the theatrical stops in this short play, starting with silly accents and a parody of crime investigation dramas. He piles on ridiculous -- yet biting -- expository monologues, meta-theater recognition and self-deprecating humor, then continues to build and expand the comedy until it reaches a climax that parodies shocking twist endings in modern entertainment ... and the audience is completely in on the fun from the first line. A comic gem.

A deft, dark exploration of personal power struggles and one-upmanship.

Haas has created a play of sisterly contrasts, beautiful imagery, and beliefs of the ultimate reward set at a time when people are at their most emotionally fragile. Haas explores the differences between the sisters, but she generously allows them to come to an understanding and connection rather than placing them in the muck of sibling rivalry. "Of Butterflies and Roses" is gentle, beautiful and humane.

Matthew Weaver satirically tweaks several subjects in "A New Play by Matthew Weaver" including himself, popular culture, technological innovations, the U.S. government as of 2018, theatre, historical experts and academics.

Photograph 51 is a standout not only because of its content -- sharing the story of Rosalind Franklin's work to unravel the mysteries of DNA -- but also because of its style and structure. Through the use of chorus, direct address/soliloquy/internal monologue, overlapping action, and even freezing time, Ziegler shows us a life of opportunities -- some seized, some missed -- and the joys and regrets stemming from them. The audience can see the science at work, yes, but more importantly they also see and understand the scientists.

Audiences will root for invertebrates in this funny, theatrical and surprisingly touching gem of a short play.

What do we do after we realize the existence of powerful, mysterious forces that can destroy us on a whim? Weaver suggests we question our value, take solace in the beauty of what's known, and continue to live our lives.

Lying just underneath the pop culture references and the literally ass-kicking actions of our heroine Valerie - and there are many examples of both! - is the harshness, stupidity and cruelty that she has faced. As a true heroine, however, she doesn't back down and instead is ready to fight for herself and, as she offers guidance to an unseen character, others. "Valerie: A Cosplay Monologue" offers a rich character for actors, one filled with an adventurous spirit, rage, fierce self-esteem, joy, and wisdom learned at far too young an age.