Cover of the book 'Light Switch' by Dave Osmundsen, with a stylized illustration of a person adjusting a light switch on a dark background.

Light Switch

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.

Light Switch is available for purchase here!

“The Broadway production of Curious Incident used a lot of digital effects to illustrate the inner and outer worlds that Christopher tries to negotiate. No such embellishments are needed for Light Switch, which shines an empathetic glow on all the characters.” Kerry Reid, The Chicago Reader

“Dave Osmundsen’s LIGHT SWITCH, now enjoying its Chicago debut, will shed light on individuals, especially gay men, who are considered to be on the spectrum. The play never condescends or patronizes, but is honest and empathetic. Henry is a gay character who just happens to be Autistic. This production, so beautifully directed by Michael D. Graham, presents a very different kind of love story that lives within the shadows of 19th century gothic romance literature.” Colin Douglas, Chicago Theatre Review

“The play asks a fundamental question about how one is to navigate a world where neurodivergent people literally have a different operating system than the majority. Relating to other humans is hard even if everyone is on the same page, and we are all guilty of miscommunication. But how do you reconcile differences when the fundamental assumptions of each person are so radically different? The play is complex as it moves through this question. The play is evocative: you will find yourself loving and hating Henry too when his black and white world runs smack into the gray universe of real life and its unending inconsistencies. The play is moving, as audience comes to a compassionate understanding of what it is to not fit in.” Angela Allyn, Chicago Stage and Screen



Bum Bum (or, this farce has Autism)

It’s the night of the All Stars for Autism telethon to benefit Singing and Hearing Autistic Greatness (SaHAG, or SHAG). 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 the three can only take condescending press reps, problematic pop stars, and the widescale infantilization of Autistic people for so long. When the three band together to take over the broadcast and perform their less “appropriate” routines, hijinks ensue.

“A theatrical middle finger wrapped in glitter, a farce that refuses to apologize for its nerve, its specificity, or its unruly joy.” Tony Marinelli, Theatre Scene

“Many comedies make tears come from laughter but this show also brings us laughter through the tears. It is inspiring and a lesson for us all that people can surprise us if we allow them to show us what they can do.” Craig J. Horsley, Times Square Chronicle



More of a Heart

When 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.


“What are the treatments? Why did this happen? How do we ensure that our son or daughter lives a full and successful life? “More of a Heart”...is an extremely thoughtful, sometimes provocative and, in the end, beautiful and meaningful examination of those issues.” Betsie Freeman Omaha World Herald (paywall alert)

“Dave Osmundsen has written a well-crafted, powerful piece of theatre that touches on themes of relationships, societal pressures, the pursuit of “normalcy”, inability to walk in another’s shoes, and the struggle to be one’s true self.” Chris’ Corner



And now: The plays that have yet to be produced, all available to read on my New Play Exchange page!

Is This All This Is

Four 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.


My Brother Jake

Jake 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.


The Wonderful Out There

As four residents of 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.


The Gift of BS

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.

We’d Rather Know If You Weren’t Coming Back

In a seaside town called Crichton-by-the-Sea, a young Autistic woman named Tina becomes a tour guide for Crichton-by-the-Sea Ghost Tours, run by Ethel. Along with her fellow tour guides (horror writer Vlad and the grieving Moira), she confronts the literal and metaphorical ghosts that haunt her. When a disturbingly underdiscussed string of murders (and their possibly supernatural cause) comes to light, each ghost tour guide is forced to reexamine their individual and collective mythologies.

Seen/Headrush

Carl and Aidan see each other at a club one night. Carl, at age 53, is looking to spread his wild oats again. Aidan, 30-something, is more than happy to help. Until he isn't.

The Evening Heart

Ben and Dennis meet. Ben and Dennis fall in love. Their families are concerned. A queer Autistic love story, a family drama, and an examination of what it means to love.


Let Me Know If I Hurt You

Bob, 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."

Two men face each other in a room with bookshelves in the background, smiling and making eye contact.
Promotional poster for 'BumBum,' hosted by Here Arts Center from December 4-14, featuring a performer on stage with a microphone, surrounded by colorful illustrations of a backpack, bottle of Evian water, pink door, feather, and headphones. The text highlights the event schedule and writer Dave Osmundsen, with a note that the show addresses autism.
Three people and a puppet doll celebrating with raised hands in a living room, with red curtains, a white sofa, a potted plant, and a brick wall.
Cover of a book titled 'More of a Heart' by Dave Osmundsen, featuring a video game controller painted with space and planet designs, hanging against a black background.
A young man with a flannel shirt resting his head on an older woman's shoulder on a couch. The older woman, wearing glasses and a red striped hoodie, is sitting with a tissue box in front of her. They are in a cozy, dimly lit room.
A group of people sitting around a table with coffee cups, a spoon, and a plate, looking at a poster for a café night event.
Poster for a theatrical play titled 'My Brother Jake' by Dave Osmundsen and directed by Josh Boerman, featuring an illustration of a theatrical mask with two faces and stars, and event times at the bottom right corner.
Group of five people standing on stage with microphones, performing or speaking in front of an audience at an indoor event in a black curtain background.
Event poster titled "t.h.i.n.k. at the Tank" for a neurodivergent and disabled play reading series featuring "The Evening Heart" by Dave Osmundsen, directed by Allen MacLeod, on February 22 at 7 pm at The Attic @ The Tank, New York. The poster includes a photo of a man in a white shirt with a green leafy background.
Book cover titled "Let Me Know If I Hurt You" with a black and white photo of a man with a black bar obscuring his eyes, surrounded by doodles of a sad face, a cloud with rain, and hearts, with handwritten text including "Bob" with a heart and "Alex" with a cross through it.