I'm Saving You a Seat

by Sarah Elizabeth Grace

What happens next after someone gets sober? "I’m Saving You a Seat" is a heartfelt, slice of life play that explores the gender, generational politics of navigating sobriety with searing vulnerability and many David Bowie references.

Sam, years into her sobriety, restarts her life by moving to the Hudson Valley and serendipitously reconnects with Mark, her ex-stepfather whom she hasn’t seen since she was a...

What happens next after someone gets sober? "I’m Saving You a Seat" is a heartfelt, slice of life play that explores the gender, generational politics of navigating sobriety with searing vulnerability and many David Bowie references.

Sam, years into her sobriety, restarts her life by moving to the Hudson Valley and serendipitously reconnects with Mark, her ex-stepfather whom she hasn’t seen since she was a child and he was an active addict. Mark introduces Sam to Jamie, his newly-sober, much-younger girlfriend who asks Sam to be her AA sponsor. As everyone grows closer, complications arise at the intersection of “found family” and discovering their personal authenticity.

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I'm Saving You a Seat

Recommended by

  • Powerstories Theatre: I'm Saving You a Seat by Sarah Elizabeth Grace
    “

    Powerstories Theatre commends Sarah Grace for being a finalist for the 2026 Voices of Women Festival. One reader commented: "This play gave me hope. That we are capable of learning, moving forward and loving."

    Powerstories Theatre commends Sarah Grace for being a finalist for the 2026 Voices of Women Festival. One reader commented: "This play gave me hope. That we are capable of learning, moving forward and loving."

    ”
  • Shaun Leisher: I'm Saving You a Seat by Sarah Elizabeth Grace
    “

    I really loved this play and how it honestly portrays people in recovery. Being sober doesn't mean that we get everything perfect. These characters make mistakes and do things that hurt each other yet they are still worthy of a addiction-free life. These characters feel so real. As someone in recovery myself, I connected with all of them. I'm so excited that plays like this exist. We need more works of theatre about people getting sober. Loved the connection with David Bowie.

    I really loved this play and how it honestly portrays people in recovery. Being sober doesn't mean that we get everything perfect. These characters make mistakes and do things that hurt each other yet they are still worthy of a addiction-free life. These characters feel so real. As someone in recovery myself, I connected with all of them. I'm so excited that plays like this exist. We need more works of theatre about people getting sober. Loved the connection with David Bowie.

    ”

Character Information

  • Sam McLaughlin
    Graphic novel artist who’s recently left Brooklyn for a small town life. Sensitive but tries hard not to show it. Has done a lot of work to overcome her traumatic childhood. Sober eight years.
    31
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman,
      Non-binary
  • Jamie Haynes
    The prettiest person in the room, she comes off as effortlessly cool. Unflappable but doesn’t have a strong sense of self. Simultaneously wants no control and total control. Newly sober.
    27
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman,
      Non-binary
  • Mark Wagner
    Record store owner, music aficionado. Curmudgeon with boyish energy. Self effacing with buried anger issues. Hopes he’s got it all figured out. Sober almost twenty years.
    51
    Any
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man

Development History