Light Switch

by Dave Osmundsen

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.

Inquire About Rights
Recommend
Download
Save to Library

Light Switch

Recommended by

Franky D. Gonzalez: Light Switch by Dave Osmundsen

“

There is not much more that I can add to the very worthy praise that this play has received. Osmundsen has created a play that is not only engaging but creates a necessary and important work for the autistic community in the arts. In an industry which relegates people with autism into tropes and secondary plot points, it is so refreshing--and vitally needed--to see the journey of Henry play out with so much heart and truth. This play needs to be more widely read and produced.

There is not much more that I can add to the very worthy praise that this play has received. Osmundsen has created a play that is not only engaging but creates a necessary and important work for the autistic community in the arts. In an industry which relegates people with autism into tropes and secondary plot points, it is so refreshing--and vitally needed--to see the journey of Henry play out with so much heart and truth. This play needs to be more widely read and produced.

”
Michael Gravante: Light Switch by Dave Osmundsen

“

(02/09/2025) I joined NPX so I could read this play! Dave Osmundsen masterfully illustrates the obstacles of being both LGBTQ+ AND neurodivergent, with its protagonist Henry on a journey to find a Victorian-esque romantic connection in 2017. As a queer theatre maker with autism, I saw a lot of myself in Henry and enjoyed his character arc from beginning to end. I also enjoyed its many literary references and allusions to iconic 19th-century works. I would love to work on this one day!

(02/09/2025) I joined NPX so I could read this play! Dave Osmundsen masterfully illustrates the obstacles of being both LGBTQ+ AND neurodivergent, with its protagonist Henry on a journey to find a Victorian-esque romantic connection in 2017. As a queer theatre maker with autism, I saw a lot of myself in Henry and enjoyed his character arc from beginning to end. I also enjoyed its many literary references and allusions to iconic 19th-century works. I would love to work on this one day!

”
Sam Heyman: Light Switch by Dave Osmundsen

“

10/4/24: This play turned a light switch on in me! Dave Osmundsen centers the autistic experience so beautifully in all of his plays, but Henry, the central protagonist of Light Switch, is a character with such magnetism and specificity that he transforms the world around him at times into a version of the Victorian era literature he so adores. This play is earnest, heartfelt, and written from a marvelous and caring perspective. I was so glad to see it at Open Space Arts!

10/4/24: This play turned a light switch on in me! Dave Osmundsen centers the autistic experience so beautifully in all of his plays, but Henry, the central protagonist of Light Switch, is a character with such magnetism and specificity that he transforms the world around him at times into a version of the Victorian era literature he so adores. This play is earnest, heartfelt, and written from a marvelous and caring perspective. I was so glad to see it at Open Space Arts!

”

View all 34 recommendations

Character Information

Aaron, Ken, and Another Guy are played by the same actor. Like that actor, most of the other actors in this play (especially Henry) are played by the same actor at different ages.

Henry

Gay and autistic.

Character Age

7 - 28

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

Any

Character Gender Identity

Male
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  20s
- Actor Gender Identity
  
  Male
Roggie

Henry's roommate, gay

Character Age

21 - 28

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

Any

Character Gender Identity

Male
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  20s
- Actor Gender Identity
  
  Male
Joseph

Gay, handsome

Character Age

29

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

Any

Character Gender Identity

Male
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  20s
- Actor Gender Identity
  
  Male
Marian

HENRY's mother

Character Age

33 - 54

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

Any

Character Gender Identity

Female
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  40s,
  
  50s
- Actor Gender Identity
  
  Female
Multiple Roles

Must play the following roles: AARON (a kid HENRY used to play with, age 11), KEN (a college student, age 20), and ANOTHER GUY (23).

Character Age

11 - 28

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

Any

Character Gender Identity

Male
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  20s,
  
  30s
- Actor Gender Identity
  
  Male

Development History

Type Reading, Organization The Commons, Year 2020
Type Reading, Organization Spectrum Theatre Ensemble, Year 2020
Type Reading, Organization ASU Theatre Lab, Year 2019

Production History

Type Professional, Organization Open Space Arts, Year 2024
Type Professional, Organization Spectrum Theatre Ensemble, Year 2022
Type University, Organization Arizona State University, Year 2021

Awards

Jeff Recommendation

Jeff Awards

2024
Theatre503 International Playwriting Prize

Longlist

2020
Bay Area Playwrights Conference

Finalist

2021
Jean Kennedy Smith Playwriting Award

Distinguished Achievement, KCACTF

2021
Carlo Annoni Playwriting Prize

Finalist

2020
O'Neill Playwrights Conference

Semi-Finalist

2020
New American Voices Playwriting Festival

The Landing Theatre Company

Semi-Finalist

2020

Genre

comedy,

drama,

romantic comedy

Subject Matter Keywords

autism,

Asperger's,

Gay and LGBTQ

Length

90 minutes to two hours

Cast Size

Age of Intended Audience

ages 14-17,

ages 18 and up

Narrative Attributes

Centers Characters with a Disability,

Centers LGBTQ Characters

Supporting Materials

Published Script

https://www.broadwayplaypub.com/the-plays/light-switch/

Script Sample

Light Switch_Perusal Only-pages-1-20.pdf

Reviews

Buzz Center Stage

“
I heartily celebrate the increasing recognition and understanding of neurodiversity, where the arts provide a critical canvas with plays like LIGHT SWITCH. I’ve learned from seeing the play and discussing it with my autistic companion. The mission of Open Space Arts is to “foster inclusivity, promote understanding, and empower marginalized communities … through the transformative power of creativity and cultural expression”. You certainly accomplished that here, OSA!
”
Chicago Stage and Screen

“
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.
”
Stage and Cinema

“
There’s much to love about Light Switch, from the neurodivergent representation to Henry and Rogie’s adorable, loving relationship (Henry read’s Rogie Jane Eyre to help him fall asleep! I want that!). This heartwarming love story might teach you something, not just about what it’s like to be autistic, but also about what it’s like to love.
”
Broadway World

“
LIGHT SWITCH shines a much-needed spotlight (no pun intended) on the struggles of neurodiverse members of queer communities...a beautiful love story that is as enlightening as it is heartwarming. I hope to see more of these incredibly talented young actors in the future, especially in pieces as original and heartfelt as this one.
”
Third Coast Review

“
Light Switch is an intense and beautiful story that sheds some light on the difficulties of romantic relationships for a young gay autistic male. It’s a story about the full and complete acceptance of another person.
”
Chicago Theatre Review

“
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.
”
Chicago Reader

“
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.
”
Windy City Times

“
All involved, ultimately, strike a perfect balance, allowing this heartfelt, informative show to attain a true sense of beauty and a significant societal importance.
”