Broadway Theatre Orchestra View From Seat | New York | SeatPlan (2024)

66 Orchestra Photos

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Orchestra Guide

The Orchestra is the largest area of seating at the Broadway Theatre, with around 909 seats divided between Left, Right and Center sections. A further 20 seats are located in six Boxes elevated at either side. On average, the Orchestra is the most expensive area of the Broadway Theatre seating chart.

Views from the Orchestra are largely good, although the depth of the auditorium means seats behind row T are more likely to feel distant. There is also some obstruction to the top of the stage from the Mezzanine overhang, which starts at row J and is more evident further back. Other less desirable seats are those close to the far-side aisles; these offer an angled and partial view of the stage.

The best seats in the Orchestra are those sitting most centrally, and a few rows back from the front. These are also some of the most expensive seats in the house thanks to their detailed and comprehensive views. Prices slowly decrease towards the back and sides to reflect the varying quality.

The Broadway Theatre Orchestra is on the ground floor. It is step-free for all patrons, and a number of wheelchair spaces and transfer seats are available in the section.

Left Orchestra

The Left Orchestra comprises 24 rows from B to Y, and seats are even-numbered between 2 and 28. Views are best from single-digit seats in rows D-G, which are set at a good distance for taking in large and busy productions. Double-digit seats above 14 or 16 are more restricted, with sightlines obstructed by the side of the stage. Beyond row T, patrons may find details less clear, and the Mezzanine overhang cuts into the top of the stage a little. There is average legroom in the Left Orchestra, although extra can be found in aisle seats. Prices are highest in the front rows and single-digit seats, and become cheaper towards the back and far side.

Three Boxes are elevated to the side of the section, with angled views of the stage.

Right Orchestra

The Right Orchestra comprises 24 rows from B at the front to Y at the rear. Odd-numbered seats escalate from 1 to 27 at the far side, although the front rows are shorter. Views are best from single-digit seats in rows D-G, which sit at an ideal distance from the stage. Double-digit seats over 15 have more restricted views, with action cut off at the far right-hand side and corner. Beyond row T, patrons may find the distance makes it difficult to pick out details. There is average legroom in the Right Orchestra, although extra can be found in aisle seats. Prices are highest in the front rows and single-digit seats, and become cheaper towards the back and far side.

Three Boxes are elevated to the side of the section, with angled views of the stage.

Center Orchestra

The Center Orchestra has 25 rows from A to Y, with seats numbered between 101 and 114, right to left. Rows across this section face directly towards the stage; patrons will find either aisle is a good choice for extra legroom, therefore. The best views are from rows D-G, which are set at a good distance for both detail and a comprehensive look at the whole set. After row T, details are less clear and shorter patrons in particular may find sightlines slightly obstructed. The Mezzanine overhang also drops into the top of the stage in the back rows. This is the most expensive overall section in the Orchestra, with the priciest tickets attached to the premium front rows.

SeatPlan’s best views of the stage

Rows D to G in the Center Orchestra are premium seats with excellent views of the stage. From this position, theatergoers aren’t too close for comfort, but can still enjoy plenty of detail. Rows F and G in particular are great for getting a wider look at the stage and set pieces.

Best legroom seats

The best seats for extra legroom in the Orchestra are in row A, or on the aisles. To make the most of a clean, direct view of the stage, seats on the inside aisles should be a first choice.

Tips

•The Front Mezzanine overhang starts at row J
•The best views are from rows D to G in the Center Orchestra
•Seats behind row T are more distant and less detailed
•The side sections have partial views of stage left or right
•Good value seats are on the inside aisles or rows H-P in the Center Orchestra

Pricing

The Orchestra is the most expensive overall section in the Broadway Theatre seating chart. Prices start at a premium in the front half of the Center Orchestra and inside aisle seats, and gradually fall towards the back and sides. The cheapest seats are in the back two rows and far corners.

Bars

Drinks and other refreshments are available from the bar on the Orchestra level.

Toilets

The closest restrooms are in the lower lobby, one floor down from the Orchestra. Other restrooms are located up 20 steps, between the Orchestra and Mezzanine. These restrooms are between flights of stairs so care should be taken when queuing.

A wheelchair accessible restroom is located on the Orchestra level.

Broadway Theatre Orchestra View From Seat | New York | SeatPlan (2024)

FAQs

Is Orchestra a good seat for Broadway? ›

Rows D to G in the Center Orchestra are premium seats with excellent views of the stage. From this position, theatergoers aren't too close for comfort, but can still enjoy plenty of detail. Rows F and G in particular are great for getting a wider look at the stage and set pieces.

Is it better to sit in the mezzanine or Orchestra? ›

Orchestra seats get you closest to the stage, but being in the mezzanine or balcony can give you a wider, fuller view of the stage from a little higher up, especially as compared to a section like the side orchestra, where you might be closer, but might not have a full view of one far side of the stage.

Where is the best place to sit in a theatre Orchestra? ›

Try sitting in the last row, then try sitting in the first row. It's always a different experience to see and hear the full orchestra together in front of you versus sitting just below the incredible musicians on stage to see their fingers and their faces up close.

Where is the best place to sit at Broadway shows? ›

Front Mezzanine:

Located on the first balcony level, these seats offer a great vantage point, providing an overview of the entire stage while still maintaining proximity to the action. The front mezzanine often provides an optimal balance of viewing angles and can be a coveted choice for many theatergoers.

Are orchestra View seats good? ›

Seating Options

For a view of the conductor: The Orchestra View seats (also known as bench seats that are located above and behind the stage) will give you a good view of the maestro's face. Some folks even say that sitting here feels like you're in the orchestra.

Is it better to sit stage left or right? ›

Right seat-side preference in a cinema has been explained by suggesting that it allows for emotional information processing by the right hemisphere (Karev, 2000).

How does orchestra seating work? ›

In the professional orchestra world, you audition for whatever chair is open in your section. If the opening is for last chair in the Viola Section or for 3rd Trombone, if you win the audition that's the chair you get.

Is it better to sit in orchestra or mezzanine for Lion King Broadway? ›

The corner rows of the mezzanine are similar to the corner rows of the orchestra, but given that the mezzanine seats are at a greater distance to the stage, they are cheaper. Our suggestion, if you're looking for cheap tickets for The Lion King, go for the corner mezzanine seats over corner orchestra seats.

Is it better to sit in the pit or orchestra? ›

It depends on the show you're going to. The PIT seats are closest to the stage so if it's a concert you may have a better view of the artist. If it's an orchestral event or theatrical event, somewhere in the Orchestra will probably give you a better view of the stage.

Where is the best place to sit to see an orchestra? ›

The most balanced sound in the hall is usually in the center of the hall. If you are looking for the purest sound, this area would be a great place to look! If you are looking for a seat closer to the stage, some parts of the orchestra will be more prominent.

Does it matter where you sit in a theatre? ›

Typically, stalls seats can be regarded as some of the best seats in the auditorium, due to their close proximity to the stage. If you're sitting in the first few rows of the stalls seats, you may even be able to touch the stage and see performers blink.

Is it better to sit in the orchestra or dress circle? ›

Sitting in the dress/royal circle

Being one level up gives you the chance to look down and fully appreciate the patterns created by the choreography and the performers' footwork – aspects you might miss looking up from the stalls.

Are orchestra seats good for Broadway shows? ›

A Broadway theater's orchestra section is located on the ground level. Choosing seats in this section can offer an intimate and immersive experience, especially in the rows closest to the stage. The prices of orchestra seats can vary due to a show's popularity and demand so don't count them out!

Where is the best place to watch a Broadway show? ›

Luckily, with streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, BroadwayHD, Disney+, HBO Max, and most recently Apple TV+, there is a wealth of theatrical resources available where you can find live recordings of original productions from Broadway and beyond.

Is front row best for Broadway show? ›

The rule of thumb is center-orchestra seats (not too close to the stage) and the front mezzanine seats are the best in the majority of Broadway shows in NYC.

Are orchestra seats good for opera? ›

The best seat in the Met Opera House for acoustics is the row on either side of the seven seats that are always reserved for the conductor and orchestra.

Are orchestra stalls good seats? ›

The stalls are 'ground level' seating – the bottom tier of an auditorium. While you might find yourself looking up at the stage (sit further back in the stalls if you want to avoid this) they're also considered some of the best seats in the theatre. This is because you're closer to the action.

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