No two Broadway theaters are exactly the same! Each theater has its own features that make it unique, making it so that an audience’s experience seeing one show in one theater may differ quite a bit from seeing another in another. Some Broadway houses are large, and offer grand views from their mezzanines and balconies, while others are cozy with each seat feeling relatively close to the stage.
Typical Theater Sections
Orchestra Seats
Mezzanine Seats
Balcony Seats
Unique Seats
Premium Seats
Accessible Seating
Typical Theater Sections
While there are no standard layouts at Broadway theaters, you will find that most of them follow a similar pattern. Here are the most common sections you will find as you explore your ticketing options.
Orchestra Section
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! More budget-friendly options are typically located in the sides and rear of the orchestra.
Orchestra sections are also the most accessible, as there are rarely stairs or elevators necessary to navigate.
A theater’s mezzanine is its second level of seating, and sometimes referred to as the Dress Circle or Loge. These seats often offer a broader view of the stage with clear sightlines, as audiences are situated above the orchestra section. Though the front and center rows may be subject to Premium prices (see below), the mezzanine offers a variety of prices and options. At times, a front mezzanine view may even be preferable to an orchestra view, especially in shows with large ensembles or extensive choreography.
Keep in mind that most Broadway theaters do not have elevators and taking the stairs is required to reach mezzanine seats.
Balcony Section
The balcony section houses the seats furthest from the theater’s stage. These seats are among the most affordable in the house, and offer a panoramic view of the stage and the theater. This can be a highlight for shows with large casts and grand sets, especially!
While not all Broadway theaters have balconies, the ones that do usually require multiple flights of stairs to access.
Unique Seating
Specialty seating is becoming more common as Broadway shows work to bring you even closer to the performance. A great example of this is the current seating for the Moulin Rouge! The Musical at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre. The venue has two traditional levels (Orchestra and Mezzanine), but also has special cabaret seating known as Can-Can Table Seating right at the front of the stage.
Unique seating opportunities tend to be slightly more expensive than typical sections, but it isn't always the case.
Premium Seats
Often within the Orchestra and sometimes in the Front Mezzanine, you will see seats marked as "Premium Seat". These seats are designated by producers as the "best seats in the house" due to their proximity to the action and prime viewing angles, and are often priced higher than others in the section.
However, the location of the seat is the only difference. They do not offer any more legroom or provide any special access priveleges.
Accessible Seating
Ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy a Broadway show is crutial. Broadway theaters strive to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant seating options. These accessible seating areas are designed to accommodate wheelchair users, individuals with mobility impairments, and those who require special assistance.
ADA seating is strategically located throughout the theater, offering unobstructed views and convenient access to entrances, exits, and accessible restrooms. These seats are typically equipped with removable or folding armrests and offer ample space for wheelchair maneuverability.
Many Factors To Consider When Choosing The Best Broadway Theatre Seats. 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.
But not every seat in the orchestra is ideal for every show. Ideally, you'll want to sit between five and 12 rows from the stage closer to the center. This will get you close enough to see subtle facial expressions–something especially good if the show you're seeing has one of your favorite stars in it.
Experts recommend the seats farthest from the screen, specifically the second or third row from the back and in the middle, for the ultimate cinematic experience.
For musicals, orchestra seats are often the preferred choice as they offer an intimate connection with the performers and their voices. Aim for seats in the center section for the most balanced view. Front Mezzanine: If you prefer a broader perspective and a slightly elevated view, consider the front mezzanine.
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.
Although a preference for seats to the right side of the screen, stage, and entrance was found, Weyers et al. (2006) also found a preference for selecting seats on the right side of the page. Thus, for maps with the screen at the bottom of the page, seats to the left of the screen were preferred. ...
Theater style seating is an arrangement of chairs in rows, arcs or circles that all face the same direction in the venue space. There are no tables, desks, or additional furniture used in theater style seating.
Renowned director Christopher Nolan prefers to sit near the front, in the middle of the third row for cinemascope ratio, and slightly behind the center line for IMAX theaters. Experts suggest sitting in the center of the room, aligned with the screen, to centralize your field of vision and prevent strain.
Where to Sit. For the best visual experience, a 36-degree viewing angle is the best. For video experience, choose the farthest seat from the screen so that you don't strain your eyes while following the picture all over the screen. The farthest seat ensures comfort for the posture, the eyes, and the neck.
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.
Mezzanine seats, located higher up in the theatre, sometimes get a bad rap as "the cheap seats" — but don't count them out. The mezzanine is actually a fantastic place to get a bird's eye, big-picture view of the show you're seeing (a particular advantage for large-scale spectaculars).
The balcony section houses the seats furthest from the theater's stage. These seats are among the most affordable in the house, and offer a panoramic view of the stage and the theater. This can be a highlight for shows with large casts and grand sets, especially!
Typically, seats in the center of the theater are better than seats in the front. Cinemas may charge more for those better seats, especially for big-hit movies.
While the music of the orchestra will reach you no matter where you sit, your view will differ depending on your seat. Some people prefer to sit on the main floor closer to the stage to get a good look at the conductor and guest artists.
Sitting farther back, to the side, or in a less-dense section of the hall will make for a more relaxed experience. These spots are nice for date nights or for new symphony-goers because the intensity of the experience is lower.
The usher will manage these empty seats and may move SRO ticket holders into them if they become available. Ushers get very upset in SRO ticket holders move themselves into seats that they perceive as available.
A theater's mezzanine is its second level of seating, and sometimes referred to as the Dress Circle or Loge. These seats often offer a broader view of the stage with clear sightlines, as audiences are situated above the orchestra section.
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