Recommended by Debra A. Cole

We live in dark times. ACORN HAYES takes the darkness and gives it form in this short play. I look forward to reading more from this new kid on the playwriting block.

Wow. RACHEL LUANN STRAYER's monologue truly takes my breath away. It's a true kick in the gut. The cavalier approach to familiar sexual assault plays to the childlike perspective that makes this short monologue even more painful. Outstanding monologue for an audition or competition.

It starts early. It always has. But these days, the pressure for young girls to fit social media perfection is worse than it ever has been. BRENT ALLES reminds us that we are enough. It's hard to get that message through the noise that fills ears of our young ones, but maybe this play is another positive voice to drown out the other negative messages.

ADAM RICHTER speaks to every mother, wife, daughter, and friend who is over worked, over tired, and over IT. No one means any harm, but it all adds up. Add to this an Indigo Girls lyric that just won't leave your conscience, and audiences has a short play that will feel familiar. Sometimes, it just takes one person to make a difference. LOVELY.

ANJ MARIE RIFFEL has written a revealing monologue for any teen or early 20s actress to bring to life. Eating disorders are unlike any other mental illness. It's not like you can just say NO to food to avoid the triggers. RIFFEL gives a gentle and understanding voice to a tough issue faced by so many. Beautiful.

What a powerful short play about the push and pull of a creative brain in motion. CHRISTOPHER SOUCY shows audiences what it's like for someone living with Schizophrenia... the lovely and supportive side as well as the manic and paranoid side. This brave short play is a gift to help people understand mental illness.

Every trip is a little different. For Claire, she is terrified. D. LEE MILLER gives audiences a relatable monologue about regret, creation ,and how we want to be remembered.

Just listen to this adorable two-hander on Theatrical Shenanigans! Darn those Americans - always pushy - never listen - and RUIN everything! SYRAN knows the bins and outs of a two culture marriage, and she has written a hilarious short piece to prove it.

One place. One place that brings comfort, pain, reflection, and healing. These places mold our lives and our futures. BRENT ALLES writes a monologue that is an ode to that one place.

Hope. ALLES beautifully reminds us there is always hope.

This short play by CHRISTOPHER SOUCY leads audiences down one path, then takes a turn - a turn that shows the fragility of the human condition during stress and trauma. I love writing for pre-teens that treats them like they have something to say, something to feel, and something to think about. BEAUTIFUL.