←Recommendations of Ground Control to Baby Tom

A terrific concept that soars thanks to beautifully-crafted characters, both in the midst of a difficult decision with extremely high and personal stakes. This rich and complex short play would be a wonderful opportunity for two actors: despite being science fiction, the question of who (if anyone) is really 'worthy' and 'ready' to have children is a gripping one. I really enjoyed the grace of the ending: McClain finds a satisfying resolution that resonates story-wise as well as thematically.

This is an extremely engaging play with a wonderful set of circumstances, conflict and a problem that is solved in a wholly believable way. I would really enjoy seeing this on stage with two great actresses. I have nothing but praise for this simply enthralling short play.

A wonderful look at the new world where in spite of the system, the people get to take matters into our own hands and make the best decision possible in the given circumstances. Kudos to McClain for being such a super problem-solver! 2 great female roles to sink some teeth into!

A fun look at science's many possible roles in the pregnancy process, the ways we navigate the unknown, and how instinct usually wins out in the end.

I love Emily McClain's plays, and this one is no exception! Two female astronauts have been chosen to have the first pregnancies in space, only to find out once they're orbiting Jupiter that there's only one vial of sperm. What to do? This play is an engaging and humorous look at bureaucratic nonsense and times when a little rule breaking is in order.

I'm always in awe of McClain's work, and this play is a great example of her talent. Here, she's skilled at world building, creating richly-drawn characters, developing a conflict that draws you in, and messing with your expectations, yet presenting a conclusion that you realize is just right. I also love that it's feminist sci-fi. (Side note: it's also fun to imagine a world in which men have babies and think of the characters as Kirk and Spock.)

A thought-provoking and very enjoyable sci-fi ten-minute about motherhood, responsibility, and why it’s sometimes okay to break rules in the name of scientific progress.

I loved the resolution to this only because it makes absolutely the best sense. Glad the characters felt this way too. A fun little play with a really intriguing setup. This sort of this IS going to happen, and quite possibly in our lifetime (Maybe not the specifics, but the overall goal, assuredly). This very thing may happen. You never know, right?

What an original play ... sci-fi, but very down-to-earth, engaging conflict and a super-satisfying resolution! This would be a great work for any short play festival!

What an interesting premise! A mission to have the first child born in space. Two potential mothers. One sample. Who decides which candidate gets to make history and which will forgo her dream of motherhood? A clever piece about rules, dreams, and who is in charge of them.