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.
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. What can affect that choice is musicals vs. plays, small casts vs. large casts, obstructed views, discounted seats, aisle seats, mezzanine vs.
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.
If you're sitting in the front row, you'll probably be looking up most of the time and may get a sore neck. The second or third row is often better than the front row. If you want to choose the front row, consider sitting to the right or left instead of the center, as you will likely have a clearer view of the stage.
Some people prefer to sit in the orchestra and see the actors up close, while some prefer to get a wider view from the mezzanine. Some audiences may also prefer mezzanine seats if they're trying to save money, or they previously saw the show in a different section and want to experience it from a different angle.
Most Broadway theaters have three sections, namely, orchestra, front mezzanine, and rear mezzanine. There are some smaller theaters, like the August Wilson, that have only two, orchestra and mezzanine. There are box seats on either side of most theaters too for patrons looking for a private theater viewing experience.
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. ...
In fact, some areas should be avoided altogether. The front row: Row A sounds like a good idea on paper, but bear in mind that most stages are over 40 inches high. In that first row seat you'll be looking at a lot of shoes when you're not craning your neck looking up.
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!
Opting for seats farthest from the screen ensures comfort for your posture, eyes, and neck. 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.
The best movie seats are located in the center, with three seats to the left and right. Why these seats have a great picture: For the best view, stick to the center of the theater. THX—the A/V company developed by George Lucas—recommends that you find a spot with a 36-degree viewing angle of the screen.
Dress Circle or Stall seats are the best seats in the theatre and have the highest price tag. Other top-tier seats are in the Boxes. However, though Boxes are more expensive due to the space and privacy, they often have obstructed views.
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.
Luckily, with streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, BroadwayHD, Disney+, HBO Max, and Apple TV+, there is a wealth of theatrical resources available where you can find live recordings of original productions from Broadway and beyond.
Best Overall: Orchestra. The orchestra is the largest section in a theater, running on the ground floor from the stage all the way to the back of the house. ...
Extra sounds and lights are distracting to performers and fellow patrons. Additionally, the use of cameras or recording equipment is prohibited during all Broadway shows. We ask that all patrons enjoy the show from their ticketed seats. Do not move to empty seats that you did not purchase.
Another name for the 2nd-tier seating in a theatre, used most commonly in the UK.Also referred to as the Mezzanine, or First Balcony (if the theatre has more than one balcony). These are among the best seats in a theatre, and thus command higher ticket prices.
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