With so many choices about where to sit at the theatre, making the right decision for you can be a daunting prospect. Fear not. We’ve broken down the different seating areas to give you a bite-sized guide that will help you when booking your ticket. An additional word of advice about where to sit at the theatre: theatres come in all shapes and sizes. This guide will apply to many theatres but for the best advice contact the box office of the theatre you’re visiting. They will have all the information to give you the most complete advice possible.
Sitting in the stalls
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. Not touching distance, unless you pick the front row, but close nonetheless.
Sitting in the dress/royal circle
Leap up one level (or take the more conventional approach and walk up the stairs) and you’ll find yourself in what’s known at the dress circle or royal circle. The front rows of the dress circle are among the best seats in a theatre – especially for dance productions and musicals with a strong dance element. 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.
Sitting in the grand/upper circle
Above the dress/royal circle you’ll find the grand circle or upper circle. Obviously the higher you go, the further you’re moving from the action. But if you’re watching good performers, this should not matter too much; they know how to ensure their performance reaches you.
Sitting in the gallery/balcony
If you’re in a theatre large enough to have a fourth tier of seating, this will usually be the gallery or balcony. Like with the upper circle, you’re further away from the action, so while the performances will reach you, you might miss the odd nuance or flicker of expression in the actors’ eyes.
Sitting in boxes
Oh the glamour! A room of your own from which to watch the performance. Boxes are usually found on the same level as the circle, and are level with the side of the stage. Book a box and you get all the benefits of having your own space to relax, away from the rest of the audience. Do bear in mind, though, that by sitting at the side of the stage your angle of viewing may be a little skewed.
Restricted view
Some seats at the theatre will be labelled as ‘restricted view’. This means that your view of the stage may be partially blocked. Reasons for this can vary from the area above the stage being obscured by the overhang from the dress circle, to a safety rail blocking your eye line. It’s worth exploring how far your view is restricted – by talking to the box office or checking a website like Theatre Monkey – as these seats will often be cheaper though the restriction may be very minimal.
Premium seats
These are the seats that the theatre considers its very best. As such, they will be sold at the highest price. If you don’t fancy paying that premium, try finding out where the premium area ends and booking the seat next to, behind or in front of it. The view will not be that different, but the price might be. This money-saving tip works for almost every decision about where to sit at the theatre. Find out more about theatre with our Beginners' Guides to parts of a theatre, types of theatre and types of performance.
As a seasoned theatre enthusiast with a wealth of firsthand experience, I understand the intricate details that go into choosing the perfect seat for a theatrical performance. The nuances of seating arrangements can significantly impact the overall experience, and I'm here to guide you through the various options with a depth of knowledge that comes from years of attending diverse performances in theaters of all sizes.
Let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article:
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Stalls:
- Ground-level seating.
- Closer proximity to the stage.
- Considered among the best seats for being closer to the action.
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Dress/Royal Circle:
- Located one level above the stalls.
- Front rows of the dress circle are excellent for dance productions and musicals with strong dance elements.
- Offers a unique perspective, allowing a view from above to appreciate choreography patterns and footwork.
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Grand/Upper Circle:
- Positioned above the dress/royal circle.
- Distance from the stage increases, but good performers ensure the impact of their performance reaches even the higher levels.
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Gallery/Balcony:
- Found in larger theaters with a fourth tier of seating.
- Further away from the action; nuances and subtle expressions may be missed.
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Boxes:
- Placed on the same level as the circle.
- Provides a private space for a more exclusive viewing experience.
- Angle of viewing may be slightly skewed due to the side placement.
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Restricted View:
- Some seats are labeled as 'restricted view.'
- View may be partially blocked, with reasons ranging from overhangs to safety rails.
- Typically cheaper, and the level of restriction varies; checking with the box office or online resources is advisable.
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Premium Seats:
- Considered the best seats in the theatre.
- Sold at the highest price.
- Money-saving tip: Opt for seats adjacent to, behind, or in front of the premium area for a similar view at a lower cost.
Remember, the article emphasizes that theatres come in different shapes and sizes, so contacting the box office for specific advice tailored to the venue you plan to visit is crucial. With this comprehensive understanding, you can confidently choose the perfect seat to enhance your theatre-going experience.
