Script Spotlight: First Dates by Tyler Leavitt

Writing comedy for teen actors and audiences can be challenging, but Tyler Leavitt’s “First Dates” nails it. Not only is the play a good time, it will give student actors a chance to work on their comic timing, as well as listening/reacting to other actors.

The premise is simple: Nervous young couples on first dates fill up a fancy-ish French restaurant called Le Moist Mouth and things quickly get awkward for everyone in the room. Which dates will go well and which ones will end in disaster before the check comes?

Tyler gave us a few minutes to answer some questions about his life and his play. Hint: He knows his stuff!

Where do you live, and how long have you been writing plays?

I live in Tampa, Florida, and I’ve been writing plays for 30 years.

What is your experience as an actor, director, or in other aspects of theater?

I was a drama teacher for 15 years and currently work as an arts school administrator. My wife and I have owned our own children’s community theater for over 20 years, and I have directed over 100 plays. These experiences have given me the opportunity to workshop dozens of plays and to hone in on effective story telling.

“First Dates” is a comedy that seems perfect for middle- and high-school drama groups and audiences. What attracted you to write a comedy about teenagers on awkward first dates?

The inspiration of “First Dates” came from a desire to really challenge the actors by putting them onstage as long as possible and to also give them multiple opportunities to act and react to misunderstandings and unanticipated situations. In addition to the normal awkwardness of a first date, many characters have to deal with unexpected characters showing up at the same restaurant.

Have you ever seen this play performed? If so, how did it go?

“First Dates” has been performed. It was wonderful seeing how the actors took the challenges and really excelled.

Any suggestions for the director or the actors about how best to play the quick-moving, dialog-focused roles in your story?

The biggest advice for the quick-paced nature of the show is to almost over-rehearse. The lines are fast and sometimes scattered, so allowing the actors the time to figure out the timing and the characters is essential for a successful production.

Your bio says that you and your wife have eight kids. Does that help you as a playwright? Are any of your kids interested in theater?

Having eight kids has given me plenty of material for both big play plots and small circumstances. All of my kids have been involved in theater to some capacity, from behind the scenes to on the stage.