Light Switch by
FULL-LENGTH: Spanning twenty years, "Light Switch" follows the story of Henry, an autistic gay man with a passion for 19th century British literature, and his quest for love and acceptance.
Dave Osmundsen
Dave Osmundsen
Dave Osmundsen (He/Him/His) is an Autistic playwright and dramaturg whose work has been seen and developed at KCACTF Region 8, the Kennedy Center/NNPN MFA Playwrights Workshop, the Great Plains Theatre Conference, Purple Crayon Players, B Street Theatre, the William Inge Theatre Festival, the Midwest Dramatists Conference, Phoenix Theatre Company, Clamour Theatre Company, Premiere Stages, the Valdez Theatre...
Dave Osmundsen (He/Him/His) is an Autistic playwright and dramaturg whose work has been seen and developed at KCACTF Region 8, the Kennedy Center/NNPN MFA Playwrights Workshop, the Great Plains Theatre Conference, Purple Crayon Players, B Street Theatre, the William Inge Theatre Festival, the Midwest Dramatists Conference, Phoenix Theatre Company, Clamour Theatre Company, Premiere Stages, the Valdez Theatre Conference, and more. He was one of two recipients of the Blank Theatre and Ucross Foundation’s inaugural Future of Playwriting Prize. His play Light Switch received its world premiere with Spectrum Theatre Ensemble in April 2022. Light Switch was also the 2021 Distinguished Achievement recipient of the Jean Kennedy Smith Playwriting Award, an Honorable Mention finalist for BAPF 2021, longlisted for the Theatre503 International Playwriting Award, a finalist for the 2020 Carlo Annoni Playwriting Prize, and a semi-finalist for the 2020 National Playwrights Conference. His one-act, A Firework Unexploded, was a semi-finalist for the NYC Audio Theatre Writing Contest and was produced by Pint-Sized in London. His plays have been published by The Dionysian, Canyon Voices, Exposition Review, Fresh Words: Contemporary One Act Plays Volume 5, and Broadway Play Publishing. MFA: Arizona State University
Plays
More of a Heart by Dave Osmundsen
Recommendations: 12··Cast:5Genre: drama·Keyword: autism, Parenting + 8 moreGenre: dramaKeyword: autism, Parenting, neurodiversity, mother-son, mother-son relationship, actuallyautistic, Effects of trauma, childhood trauma, illness, ALSWhen Mary-Ellen’s son Zachary was diagnosed with Autism, she became his fiercest advocate. But now, Zachary is grown up and having his own thoughts and feelings about her advocacy. When an unexpected crisis hits their lives, mother and son must say the things that need to be said before time runs out.Is This All This Is by Dave Osmundsen
Recommendations: 15··Cast:4Genre: comedy, drama·Keyword: features LGBTQ character, femme non-binary + 5 moreGenre: comedy, dramaKeyword: features LGBTQ character, femme non-binary, Non-Binary, non-binary character, autism, actuallyautistic, ArizonaFour characters -- autistic non-binary lesbian Jamie, their transient aunt Theresa, Jamie's conservative mother Barb, and Theresa's autistic boyfriend Tyson -- contemplate where they are in life, and if where they are is the best their lives are ever going to be.The Wonderful Out There by Dave Osmundsen
Recommendations: 8··Cast:5Genre: drama, mystery/thriller + 1 more·Keyword: autism, neurodiversity + 4 moreGenre: drama, mystery/thriller, tragedyKeyword: autism, neurodiversity, Neurodivergent, children, trauma, abuseAs four kids living in a group home for neurodivergent children embark on their own journeys of personal discovery, they begin to uncover secrets of their own existence and are forced to confront the harrowing truth about their reality.My Brother Jake by Dave Osmundsen
Recommendations: 2··Cast:2Genre: comedy, drama·Keyword: autism, brothers + 3 moreGenre: comedy, dramaKeyword: autism, brothers, twins, American Theatre, two-handerJake Barnsley is an Autistic theatre artist who has managed to have an “inspiring” career. Ethan, his higher-needs twin brother, has lived in his shadow their whole lives. When Jake's life and livelihood are at a crossroads, past resentments come to the surface, and Ethan makes an impassioned bid for agency.We'd Rather Know If You Weren't Coming Back by Dave Osmundsen
Recommendations: 2··Cast:5Genre: comedy, drama + 2 more·Keyword: autism, ghost + 2 moreGenre: comedy, drama, horror, mystery/thrillerKeyword: autism, ghost, haunted, ableismIn a seaside town called Crichton-by-the-Sea, a young Autistic woman becomes a tour guide for a local ghost tour company. As she and her fellow guides confront the literal and metaphorical ghosts that haunt them, sinister secrets arise that force them to reexamine their individual and collective mythologies. A new play about the places and people we haunt, and the people and places we allow to haunt us.Bum Bum by Dave Osmundsen
·Cast:7Genre: comedy, farce + 1 more·Keyword: comedy, autism + 3 moreGenre: comedy, farce, satireKeyword: comedy, autism, Farce, actuallyautistic, pop starIt’s the night of the All Stars for Autism telethon to benefit Singing and Hearing Autistic Greatness (SAHAG, or SHAG), where Autistic talent will be on full display. Lisa is going to perform a little ballet. Sean is going to do a family-friendly comedy routine. And Jason is going to perform with his trusty ventriloquist dummy, Gil McGillicuddy. But Lisa actually wants to perform a burlesque routine. Sean wants...It’s the night of the All Stars for Autism telethon to benefit Singing and Hearing Autistic Greatness (SAHAG, or SHAG), where Autistic talent will be on full display. Lisa is going to perform a little ballet. Sean is going to do a family-friendly comedy routine. And Jason is going to perform with his trusty ventriloquist dummy, Gil McGillicuddy. But Lisa actually wants to perform a burlesque routine. Sean wants to show off his George Carlin-like comedic chops. And Jason has a vendetta against his ableist cousin Jason, a publicist whose problematic pop star client Rhina is hosting the event. When Lisa, Sean, and Jason see an opportunity to takeover the event, hijinks ensue. A comedy about the right to authentic Autistic expression.The Gift of BS by Dave Osmundsen
Recommendations: 13··Cast:4Genre: comedy, drama·Keyword: autism, music teacher + 6 moreGenre: comedy, dramaKeyword: autism, music teacher, student, actor life, actuallyautistic, Autistic, Neurodivergent, neurodivergent characterFULL-LENGTH: William Johansson, age 46, is not exactly living his best life. On top of his wife leaving him, his father dying, and being fired from his job, he also realizes that he is Autistic. When he reunites with a former student who is also autistic, he embarks on an emotional journey of self-acceptance.The Dummy Class by Dave Osmundsen
Recommendations: 8··Cast:7Genre: comedy, drama + 1 more·Keyword: children, special needs children + 4 moreGenre: comedy, drama, young audiencesKeyword: children, special needs children, autism, elementary school, dance, singingTed writes poems. Elizabeth tells jokes. Gina dances. Marcus conducts. With the Nockaquan Elementary School Talent Show coming up, these four neurodivergent children are determined to show everyone that they are more than just the dummy class.Let Me Know If I Hurt You by Dave Osmundsen
Recommendations: 14··Cast:1Genre: drama·Keyword: autism, Autistic + 5 moreGenre: dramaKeyword: autism, Autistic, theatre, gay, gay high schooler, high school, soloBob, a gay Autistic man about to graduate high school, becomes involved with his favorite Broadway actor. A solo play about longing, heartbreak, and when Autistic people are considered "grown up."My (Diagnosed) Self by Dave Osmundsen
Recommendations: 10··Cast:2Genre: comedy, drama·Keyword: autism, autism spectrum disorder + 4 moreGenre: comedy, dramaKeyword: autism, autism spectrum disorder, actuallyautistic, Autistic, gay best friend, features LGBTQ characterTEN-MINUTE: Rachel, a newly self-diagnosed autistic woman, comes out to her gay best friend Timmy.(Un)Scripted by Dave Osmundsen
Recommendations: 4··Cast:3Genre: comedy, dramaGenre: comedy, dramaTEN-MINUTE: Miranda, an autistic girl dedicated to social improvement, endures a scripted coffee shop module to achieve "typicality."Making Friends Remotely by Dave Osmundsen
Recommendations: 5··Cast:3Genre: dark comedy, drama·Keyword: virtual, coronavirus + 5 moreGenre: dark comedy, dramaKeyword: virtual, coronavirus, Covid-19, friendship, Video Chat, skype, zoomAfter a virus has overtaken the nation, three strangers try to connect with each other virtually.Only You Can Reject Jelly Beans by Dave Osmundsen
Recommendations: 9··Cast:1Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 1 more·Keyword: Covid-19, coronavirus + 1 moreGenre: comedy, dark comedy, dramaKeyword: Covid-19, coronavirus, gay menOtis, a 20-something gay man, is quarantined with little to do besides eating jelly beans and reflecting on his existence.The Day I Turned Into A Bird by Dave Osmundsen
Recommendations: 7··Cast:3Genre: adaptation, comedy + 3 more·Keyword: parents, children + 5 moreGenre: adaptation, comedy, drama, fable/folktale, young audiencesKeyword: parents, children, animals, animal anthropomorphism, birds, death, oceanWhile at the park one day, Kim turns into a bird. Or does she? A play about change, loss, and becoming what we want to be in this world.
*** NOTE: The story is inspired by Aimee Bender's "The Rememberer." The playwright is in contact with the entertainment rights holders for Bender's work.The Last Shore Trip by Dave Osmundsen
Recommendations: 12··Cast:3Genre: drama·Keyword: addiction, close friendship + 1 moreGenre: dramaKeyword: addiction, close friendship, coming to terms with deathTEN-MINUTE: What if the best thing you can do for someone is to let them walk away? Seth and Peri grapple with this question as they reflect on the loss of their best friend Cara.Accident on 80 by Dave Osmundsen
Recommendations: 10··Cast:2Genre: dark comedy, satireGenre: dark comedy, satireTEN-MINUTE: Sasha and Mikayla are two best friends whose favorite pastime is driving in traffic to see the latest major car accident. The accident they are heading for right now promises to be the biggest, most epic, and major accident in their entire lives. But a series of darkly comic events force them to consider the possibility that they could be the next accident…A Firework Unexploded by Dave Osmundsen
Recommendations: 12··Cast:2Genre: comedy, dramaGenre: comedy, dramaTEN-MINUTE: Ned loves fireworks. Gina doesn’t. A seemingly meaningless difference that forces them to confront their insecurities, flaws, and what they mean to each other.Only Small Actors by Dave Osmundsen
Recommendations: 1··Cast:5Genre: comedy, drama·Keyword: theatre camp, asian + 4 moreGenre: comedy, dramaKeyword: theatre camp, asian, actuallyautistic, Autistic, Body image, features LGBTQ characters"Only Small Actors" follows a diverse group of young people over the course of one summer as they prepare for a production of "Cinderella." Years later, when they're all grown up, they strive to make change in a world that isn't always receptive to their perspectives and experiences.Something for Sondra by Dave Osmundsen
Recommendations: 6··Cast:3Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 1 more·Keyword: mother and daughter, ALS + 3 moreGenre: comedy, dark comedy, dramaKeyword: mother and daughter, ALS, illness, family, friendshipFULL-LENGTH: Janey Tubben, her underachieving best friend Brian, and her sassy mother Sondra are forced to navigate the rocky waters of friendship and loyalty when Sondra is diagnosed with a deadly disease right when Janey receives the opportunity of a lifetime.Pix of Your Partner's Privates by Dave Osmundsen
Recommendations: 16··Cast:2Genre: comedy, drama + 2 moreGenre: comedy, drama, romantic comedy, satireTEN-MINUTE: When Shelly is about to return to the other side of the country, her long-distance boyfriend John gives her something to remember him by...Make Way by Dave Osmundsen
Recommendations: 19··Cast:3Genre: dark comedy, drama + 2 more·Keyword: book burning, post-apocalyptic + 2 moreGenre: dark comedy, drama, political, science fictionKeyword: book burning, post-apocalyptic, books, futureTEN-MINUTE: When the government starts an initiative to begin humanity anew, people are paid to throw old books into a fire pit. When an idealistic young man comes across one of his favorite childhood books, he tries to save it from being burned, sparking a debate about the value of old books and ideas in a world that is trying to start over—and whether they’re worth keeping around.What Price? What Glory? by Dave Osmundsen
Recommendations: 3··Cast:5Genre: dark comedy, drama + 3 more·Keyword: sexual assault, LGBTQ + 3 moreGenre: dark comedy, drama, experimental, period, tragedyKeyword: sexual assault, LGBTQ, Hollywood, old hollywood, metooFULL-LENGTH: 1927. A young woman's adventures in silent-era Hollywood take a devastating turn.
2014. A young actor is set to make his Broadway debut in a musical about a silent-era film actress who went missing in 1927.
Side by side, we hear their stories.Ferret Ran Away by Dave Osmundsen
Recommendations: 3··Cast:4Genre: comedy, drama·Keyword: HIV/AIDS, LGBTQ + 1 moreGenre: comedy, dramaKeyword: HIV/AIDS, LGBTQ, pregnancyFULL-LENGTH: Don has broken up with his boyfriend after being diagnosed with HIV. Celia has become pregnant after a one-night encounter at a party. Will these siblings be able to cross personal and familial boundaries to reach one another in their times of need?Stupid, Fat, Ugly by Dave Osmundsen
Recommendations: 7··Cast:5Genre: dark comedy, drama + 1 more·Keyword: LGBTQ, homosexuality + 3 moreGenre: dark comedy, drama, mystery/thrillerKeyword: LGBTQ, homosexuality, abuse, forgiveness, acceptanceFULL-LENGTH: When Mandy's younger gay brother Eric mysteriously dies, she travels to New York City to find out what exactly happened. What she discovers about her brother's death (and herself) will change her life forever.The Yes Lives by Dave Osmundsen
Recommendations: 2··Cast:4Genre: comedy, drama + 1 more·Keyword: LGBTQ, friendship + 4 moreGenre: comedy, drama, romantic comedyKeyword: LGBTQ, friendship, best friends, gay best friend, gay straight relationships, danceFULL-LENGTH: Alexander: Gay, cynical, and has a problem saying "yes". John: Straight, optimistic, and has no problem saying "yes". Over fifteen years, these two unlikely friends sustain each other through the highs and lows of life, and learn the consequences of saying (or not saying) the Y word.The Ushers by Dave Osmundsen
Recommendations: 3··Cast:5Genre: comedy, drama·Keyword: Lesbian, lonelinessGenre: comedy, dramaKeyword: Lesbian, lonelinessFULL-LENGTH: The play follows a year in the lives of a small group of ushers at a Florida community theatre. Their desires, passions, and past hurts all come out as they vie for the Usher of the Year award.