Online Dates Are Hard To Handle

by Matthew McLachlan

(Ten Minute) When Craig and Mark meet up after work to talk about their lives and a recent date of Craig's, Craig reveals that his date wasn't exactly what she showed on her profile. What ensues is a comedic and thoughtful treatise on modern dating as the audience is left to ponder our own standards, insecurities, and inability to get out of our own way to let ourselves be happy.

(Ten Minute) When Craig and Mark meet up after work to talk about their lives and a recent date of Craig's, Craig reveals that his date wasn't exactly what she showed on her profile. What ensues is a comedic and thoughtful treatise on modern dating as the audience is left to ponder our own standards, insecurities, and inability to get out of our own way to let ourselves be happy.

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Online Dates Are Hard To Handle

Recommended by

  • Chris Gacinski: Online Dates Are Hard To Handle by Matthew McLachlan
    “

    Very much honored to be able to have seen this play at the Chain Theatre Summer One Act Festival, as it has everything you could ever want and more! Two dynamic characters that are constantly learning more about themselves, their own flaws, and how incredibly well these lessons translate to the audience. A relatable and familiar situation that leaves you guessing, and on top of this, the humor in this script will have you rolling on the floor! Definitely recommend!!

    Very much honored to be able to have seen this play at the Chain Theatre Summer One Act Festival, as it has everything you could ever want and more! Two dynamic characters that are constantly learning more about themselves, their own flaws, and how incredibly well these lessons translate to the audience. A relatable and familiar situation that leaves you guessing, and on top of this, the humor in this script will have you rolling on the floor! Definitely recommend!!

    ”
  • Debra A. Cole: Online Dates Are Hard To Handle by Matthew McLachlan
    “

    This play has everything a scene in a bar needs: men drinking, men laughing, men ribbing each other, and most importantly... men heading down the road to becoming better versions of themselves. This short play tackles real moments with honesty and hope.

    This play has everything a scene in a bar needs: men drinking, men laughing, men ribbing each other, and most importantly... men heading down the road to becoming better versions of themselves. This short play tackles real moments with honesty and hope.

    ”
  • George Sapio: Online Dates Are Hard To Handle by Matthew McLachlan
    “

    Well done; a very strong, honest account of what it takes for someone to deal with something most people would find off-putting or ugly. An excellent choice for an evening of short plays. Highly recommended.

    Well done; a very strong, honest account of what it takes for someone to deal with something most people would find off-putting or ugly. An excellent choice for an evening of short plays. Highly recommended.

    ”
View all 4 recommendations

Character Information

  • Craig
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American,
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American,
      Indigenous, First Nation, or Native American,
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic,
      Middle Eastern, North African, or Arab American,
      Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander,
      South Asian or South Asian American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Mark
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American,
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American,
      Indigenous, First Nation, or Native American,
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic,
      Middle Eastern, North African, or Arab American,
      Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander,
      South Asian or South Asian American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male

Development History

  • Workshop, Ruddy Productions, 2016
  • Reading, Ruddy Productions, 2016

Production History

  • Community Theater, Ruddy Productions, 2017