Recommended by Steven G. Martin

"The Olfactory Soul" includes plenty of witchcraft -- potions, spells, magic items and more -- but Sickles uses those to attract an audience to a subtler story of the heart. A story of loss, of hope.

This is an ephemeral Halloween story in which an audience will feel for both the victim and the magic caster.

McClain examines horror tropes through a contemporary lens, and audiences will nod and laugh in recognition. The details in the characters are wonderful, and actors will loving playing any of the three. This is an example of a perfect Halloween entertainment.

Absolutely shocking, horrifying, out-of-the-blue, and never expected story.

"Goldfish" begins with a very uncomfortable scenario and the tension only ebbs and flows until finally the audience realizes the trap has been sprung. And oh, what an ending image Cathro leaves the audience with.

Two words: Viking vampires.

Prillaman's play is medieval horror. It is showdown among not-equals. It is atmospheric drama -- enjoy the stage directions here. It is a power play. There is such rich, personal conflict and a sense of foreboding.

I attended a reading of "Barbarian," and Prillaman's skill shone. It will shine when you read this script, too.

Gatton shows that what a person does in a crisis reflects their true character. In "JAM," a short comedy that abruptly shifts into a tragedy, a presumed monster shows kindness, perceived antagonists transform into allies, and the tiny drama of a paper jam in office equipment is put in proper context in the drama of the larger world.

"JAM" is one of Gatton's anthology plays with ties to a tragic central event, whose effects ripple for years. Wonderful breadth of writing.

Gatton's short comedy/drama "She's Blown Away" showcases the playwright's skill in understanding and empathizing with all characters. There is rich backstory for all three characters in this short play, and those stories strongly impact the central conflict. And Mika may be one of the best-written characters for a young female actor.

"She's Blown Away" is one of Gatton's anthology plays with ties to a tragic central event, whose effects ripple for years. Wonderful breadth of writing.

Gatton shows so much in such a short amount of stage time with "Status Update."

This mother/son drama understands no one truly knows what they'll become later in life, that the term "old" is entirely subjective, and that living in the past isn't good but short, intermittent visits can raise one's spirits.

"Status Update" is one of Gatton's anthology plays with ties to a tragic central event, whose effects ripple for years. Wonderful breadth of writing.

Strayer shows how others feel our sense of loss, and even understand what we need to cope. But Strayer doesn't sugarcoat the loss or the uncertainty of what the future holds. This is one minute play may bring a tear.

An audience will want to strongly deny the dramatic irony that is central to Gatton's short play, hoping, hoping, hoping it isn't true but knowing, deep down, it is.

"Things Are Looking Up" also has a slight "Monkey's Paw" feel to it, as the wishes for home, for work come true in unexpected ways. Strong character, dialogue, and structure work by Gatton.

"Things Are Looking Up" is one of Gatton's anthology plays with ties to a tragic central event, whose effects ripple for years. Wonderful breadth of writing.

Melody DeRogatis nicely taps into the angst of 25-year-old people in this short comedy. The protagonist Aris is so lost in trying to find out who she is, she's taking lessons from anything and everything available to her -- including astrology.

An audience will want so much for Aris to more fully commit to Benny, and they'll feel such agitation while watching this play. And it's got a perfect ending.