It's been a good long while since I've felt a play quite as viscerally as THE GIFT OF BS - and I daresay you'll feel much the same regardless of wherever you happen to fall on any given spectrum. Osmundsen casts a penetrating eye on issues others wouldn't dare even notice - not only the disorientation of a mid-life diagnosis, and the difficulties of interacting with the neurotypical world, but the toxic competition that can occur between neurodiverse individuals with varying levels of "functionality" - and crafts a story that's equal parts searing and hopeful. Magnificent.

Premiere Stages, the professional Equity theatre in residence at Kean University, is pleased to recognize The Gift of BS by Dave Osmundsen as a Finalist for the 2022 Premiere Play Festival. The Gift of BS rose through a competitive selection process conducted by Premiere staff and a panel of outside theatre professionals to become one of 4 out of 655 submissions. The panel was particularly impressed by the sensitivity and humor that Dave brings to subjects of neurodivergency, family, and evolving relationships. Our congratulations and thanks to Dave.

I saw Dave's play at kean university last night and haven't stopped thinking about it. This play taught me more about myself than any other work I've experienced about autism. So many aha moments for me personally, in a play that was at times hilarious, at times deeply sad, and always deeply felt.