Dylan Riley Snyder Does it all!
Dylan Riley Snyder is best known for playing Milton on Disney XD’s hit show, Kickin’ It, alongside Leo Howard. His first performance was actually on Broadway playing a young Tarzan in the Broadway musical, Tarzan. His favorite part of the work day is actually the breaks. On their breaks, they hit their “man cave” and have their own jam sessions. Leo on guitar, Dylan on bass and Teo on drums. In his free time, he’s learning to play the ukulele. Dylan also has a secret crush on someone big time, but he won’t spill. We’ll get it out of you eventually, Dylan. 😉 Read on to find out more about this talented actor.
GLITTER: What was the first Broadway show you were ever on?
DYLAN: As a toddler, my first theatrical performance was HMS Pinafore. I played a sailor who swabbed the deck… I was 18 months old. My first “professional” gig was in New York in Disney’s Broadway Musical, Tarzan. I played Young Tarzan. I was nine-years-old.
GLITTER: Would you ever go back to Broadway?
DYLAN: Yes, right after Tarzan, I did an off-Broadway show, Horton Foote’s Orphans’ Home Cycle, where I played three different characters in a nine play series. It was a dramatic series of Horton Foote’s life, where I portrayed the writer as a boy. To play this character in front of his family and friends was a wonderful experience. The show was marked for Broadway, so maybe one day I’ll be able to portray the older Horton Foote. I love the intenseness of live performance. One chance to get it right for the audience.
GLITTER: Let’s talk about your character, Milton. How are you alike or unalike your character?
DYLAN: Ooo, I love Milton! Milton began the series as an introvert…. So not like me. His parents coddled him and treated him as if were fragile, my parents allow me to test my boundaries (sports, skateboards, extreme activities…). His wardrobe revolves around PLAID… I rarely wear the pattern unless its flannel. As the season’s go on, Milton begins to evolve and become more like me. The writers were allowing Milton to (as most kids do) grow, both physically & emotionally. Milton is a lot more confident in his knowledge than I am. The one component that is basic in Milton & myself is we are both Loyal to our friends.
GLITTER: What can we see in the new season of Kickin’ It?
DYLAN: Season 4 is a great season for the boys, everyone goes through the same things most teenagers go through; jobs, dating, responsibilities, testing of friendship. I think the best “evolvement” is in Jerry & Milton. With the help of Jack & Rudy, the boys are now becoming young men… Cool, young men.
GLITTER: What’s it like working with Leo Howard?
DYLAN: We hit it off the minute we met in the casting room. Working with Leo has been a great learning experience in the martial arts & stunt area. My experience was in dance so I’ve been able to use my tools in learning. I look at it as choreography and Leo’s helped in the aspect of making it look like martial arts. The best part of a work day is the breaks… Not boards, but taking a break. We’d head to the “Man Cave” to hangout and jam… Leo on guitar, me on bass and Teo on drums.
GLITTER: Are you involved in martial arts as well?
DYLAN: As well as going to the gym to work out, I began jiu jitsu workouts with Leo, Jason and few of our stunt guys. I’m not as involved with it as the other guys, but I enjoy a grappling session or two.
GLITTER: If you could make a guest appearance on any other show, what show would it be and why?
DYLAN: Probably Pretty Little Liars, I keep up with it and it would be a change from playing big comedy. I’ve always done dramas, so it’d be nice to get back. I’d like to play a dark troubled character.
GLITTER: How do you balance school and acting?
DYLAN: School is priority so I’ve always kept that number one. Now that I’ve graduated, I’m a freshman in college! On set, I’d do the back and forth set to school… But for my focus, I really had to give more time. I’ve been fortunate that my set teachers were giving me their time after work & weekends to allow me to continue studying. I’m very driven by doing my best at everything I attempt. It really came out as a balance that acting is my time to “refresh” myself.
GLITTER: Do you have any new projects coming up that you can tell us about?
DYLAN: This summer I was able to work with Calum Worthy on Just Kidding for the Disney Channel. It was such a fun experience! I love improv and I haven’t really been able to work with someone who’s got great improv skills and timing. Looking forward to doing more.
GLITTER: Do you have a hidden talent or hobby that no one knows about?
DYLAN: I’m kind of an open book, most of my skills the writers have used in the “making of Milton”. However, one skill that I have was used once on the show but I’ve not talked about is…. I have a knack for opening locks. When I was in a show in NY, the cast found out about this skill, and for my birthday, they placed a combination lock on the gift! Two days later, I walked in with the combination lock strung through a piece of cardboard with the combination written on it so they could open the lock themselves.
GLITTER: What is your ideal first date?
DYLAN: I like to find that special interest, be it a favorite singer, restaurant, or something on the girls bucket list and surprise her with it. Example, during a nice dinner out, surprise her with tickets to a concert in the menu.
GLITTER: What do you enjoy doing on your free time?
DYLAN: Lately, I’ve been learning to play the ukulele. I always try to learn a little something new in my spare time.
GLITTER: Are you involved in any charity work? If so, which charities and how can others get involved?
DYLAN: I’ve worked with several charities all centered around kids. When I’m back home I work with our community’s Emergency Task Force, the Boys and Girls clubs, and cancer awareness programs. Teens can get involved just by giving of their time. There are a lot of after school programs where teens can volunteer. My sister and I spent our after school time in drama programs helping kids, we’d go to nursing homes & hospitals, perform & spend time with the residents. Just be involved.
GLITTER: Do you have a crush on anyone?
DYLAN: Yes. (Big smile)!
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Editorial Director | Writer | Tweet me @heatherriccio
