Recommended by Ian Donley

David Shaw's "Stripers are Running" is a look at how manhood isn't synonymous with toughness but with vulnerability. The dialogue is rhythmic and playful which would be a treat for actors to perform.

Jack Levine takes an absurd concept and transforms it into a grounded and relatable look at the ebbs and flows of a relationship.

"Moonlight Over L.A." takes the nostalgic noir atmosphere and breathes life into it with fresh theatricality. Ken Love manages to combine crime, misogyny, race, and trauma and turn into it a cinematic exploration over the human condition within the time period from an original angle.

Cole Hunter Dzubak has written a holiday treat that pulls on your heartstrings through well-developed characters with beautiful and rhythmic dialogue.

"Aftermath" approaches the subject matter of school gun violence with precision and care that, in return, transforms into a palpable deep dive into how a tragedy leaves its mark on those around it. This piece is stylized with distinct tableaus and transitions that give it the perfect amount of theatricality to engage audiences.

Ayvaunn Penn has written one of the most poetic pieces of theatre that I have read. In order to write a theatre-for-social-change, the writer must have compassion towards the subject matter, and Penn does!

"First Date 2099" is a sweet and futuristic look into how human beings will (potentially) find love. Byham's writing is strategic, giving us moments of humanity sprinkled into the robotic interactions between these two characters which breathes life into the audience.

"Revenge of Eve" is a clever and brilliantly written exploration of how religion seeps into the DNA of every individual who finds themselves in the midst of questioning. The dialogue is razor-sharp and fast-paced giving room for the audience to understand the complexities of these characters while never lagging in pace. This is one of the boldest scripts I've encountered in recent years and would love to see this produced!

"Veterans of Community Theatre" is a hilarious story highlighting the love and dedication for the arts many of us have.

April Lavalle's wordplay is distinct, making the personalities of these two characters pop on the page. Lavalle handles the subject matter with an appropriate mix of sensitivity and humor that leads the audience to want more.