David Goldstein

Specialty

Character and plot driven dramas, GLBTQ+ dramas and comedies

Bio

I’m an award winning playwright whose play “Skiing on Broken Glass” was nominated for 3 Broadway World Awards. My music video “Now & Forever” won a Golden Palm at the Mexico International Film Festival. It has been shown at festivals worldwide. I’m a former lawyer, law professor, and conciliation court judge.

Available Now

Drama

Some of my Scripts

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Becoming Ben

A star high school swimmer whose life is entangled with childhood trauma and his emerging gay identity is forced to navigate turbulent waters on a journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance.

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A star high school swimmer whose life is entangled with childhood trauma and his emerging gay identity is forced to navigate turbulent waters on a journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance.

Audience Emotional Journey

Writing Craft Metrics

UNIQUE SELLING POINT

This screenplay uniquely combines the LGBTQ+ coming-of-age genre with a serious exploration of childhood sexual trauma and mental health crisis, offering rare authenticity in its portrayal of how trauma manifests in high-achieving adolescents. The script stands out for its psychological depth, sensitive handling of teacher-student boundaries, and its ultimately hopeful message about recovery and resilience.

STANDOUT FEATURES

Unique Hook: The exploration of a teacher-student relationship that challenges boundaries while addressing mental health.
Plot Twist: Ben's suicide attempt serves as a pivotal moment that shifts the narrative towards healing and acceptance.
Innovative Ideas: The integration of therapy sessions and group dynamics to depict Ben's journey towards recovery.

R R R R C

Drama Coming-of-age Psychological Thriller Romance Teen

Becoming Ben

When a perfectionist high-school swimmer's repressed childhood abuse collides with a crush on his favorite teacher, the ensuing humiliation and self-harm force him and the adults around him to confront shame, boundaries and the slow, hard work of healing.

Drama Coming-of-age Psychological Thriller

View Analysis View Read Script Read

When a perfectionist high-school swimmer's repressed childhood abuse collides with a crush on his favorite teacher, the ensuing humiliation and self-harm force him and the adults around him to confront shame, boundaries and the slow, hard work of healing.

Audience Emotional Journey

Writing Craft Metrics

UNIQUE SELLING POINT

This script offers a rare, psychologically nuanced portrait of adolescent male sexuality and trauma that avoids sensationalism while maintaining dramatic tension. Its authentic depiction of how educational systems handle student mental health crises, combined with its non-judgmental approach to all characters (including well-meaning but limited adults), sets it apart from typical coming-of-age or trauma narratives. The script's clinical accuracy, informed by mental health professionals, gives it both educational value and emotional credibility.

STANDOUT FEATURES

Unique Hook: The exploration of a high-achieving student's internal collapse and the impact of trauma on mental health.
Character Development: Ben's journey from despair to resilience, showcasing his growth and healing process.
Emotional Depth: The screenplay tackles heavy themes such as abuse, identity, and suicide with sensitivity and authenticity.