The world premiere of Vestibular Sense was Nov. 3-26, 2006, at Mixed Blood Theatre in Minneapolis. According to press notes, the play "uses humor and pathos to explore the reality of life as an autistic adult in his uplifting look at people with disabilities."

The Osborn Award, established in 1993 to honor the memory of American Theatre play editor M. Elizabeth Osborn, includes a $1,000 cash prize. The award, chosen by ATCA's 12-person new plays committee, recognizes the work of an author whose plays have not yet received a major production or major national awards. Last year's award went to Steven Tomlinson for American Fiesta.

LaZebnik will receive his award March 31 at the Humana Festival of New American Plays in Louisville, KY. Vestibular Sense is also one of six finalists for the separate 2006 Harold and Mimi Steinberg/American Theatre Critics Association New Play Awards (which are for any playwright, not just emerging ones), which will be announced March 31 as well.

LaZebnik was the co-writer with Garrison Keillor of Robert Altman's film "A Prairie Home Companion." His other plays include League of Nations and Calvinisms, both produced by Mixed Blood Theatre. LaZebnik's writing and producing credits for television include UPN's "Star Trek: Enterprise," NBC's "Providence" and CBS' "Touched By An Angel."

For more information, visit www.americantheatrecritics.org.