"Carbajal’s humor alternates between lacerating and indulgent, and never slackens."
-- The New Yorker

"More than That 80’s Show meets Revenge of the Nerds ... Endearing and witty."
-- Citysearch dot com

Set in a Wisconsin high school in 1985, Ruben Carbajal's The Gifted Program centers on four intelligent sophomores bonded by their love of Dungeons & Dragons and their daily struggles at the bottom of the social food chain. When one of them is revealed to be the mysterious radio call-in Romeo courting the school's most popular girl, their simple pursuit of an education becomes a fight for survival.

Developed at Soho Rep's Writer/Director Lab, The Gifted Program premiered at New York City's Center Stage, directed by Mike Shapriro and produced by OVO, Inc. It has since been seen across the nation. Published by Dramatists Play Service, The Gifted Program appears in The Best Men's Stage Monologues of 2005, More Scenes and Monologues from the Best New Plays, and the forthcoming Outstanding Men's Monologues Volume 2.

Professional or nonprofessional licensing is available through Dramatists Play Service. The play is also available on Amazon.

The Gifted Program cast size: 9 men, 6 women (inlcuding 1 man extra) or 6 men, 3 women (with doubling): 16 total