The mezzanine in the theater: what is it? How well can you see the stage from these seats?

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

If you often go to the theater, of course, you already know all the intricacies of the location of seats in the auditorium, as well as which tickets are best to buy. But when planning the first viewing of the performance, it is worth knowing how the seats are located, from where you can clearly see the stage. Of course, front row tickets are expensive, we will talk about those that represent a compromise between affordable price and comfortable viewing. Let us dwell in detail on the definition of "mezzanine in the theatre". What is it and how to choose a comfortable seat?

How are the viewing chairs arranged?

Let's consider the theater in general terms, not any particular building. The seating arrangement is approximately the same, only the area of the auditorium differs. The seats closest to the stage are called the stalls. These are the most convenient places for viewing, which affects their cost - tickets for them are the most expensive. The first row should not be occupied if there is an orchestra pit in front of the stage, then the action will not be visible at all. Sometimes chairs are installed on a flat floor, but more often the surface is sloped so that people sitting in the back are not disturbed.the heads of those sitting in front.

Further on, on a slight rise, there is an amphitheater located at the level of the stage. At these places, the viewer gets the widest and most complete view, as well as good audibility, especially when watching an opera or ballet. This is the best choice in terms of price and panoramic view. Sometimes, next to the stage, on the sides of the stalls, there are special boxes called benoir. Often they are covered with a special black mesh so that the people sitting inside do not interfere with the work of the actors. Considered the most prestigious places.

Tiers and mezzanine in the theater

What is it and how are the seats above the stage arranged? The seating described above is complemented by tiers along the wall above stage level. Sometimes there is only one tier, and in theaters with large halls their number reaches four. The lowest one is just called the mezzanine. It is quite comfortable to sit there, but it is better not to take seats close to the stage: you will have to turn and bend over to follow the development of events. It is best to sit in the center, directly above the amphitheater, in the first row. The tiers, located high, will not allow you to see the actors without binoculars, but tickets there are the cheapest. Sometimes these places are called balconies.

Decoration of mezzanines

You may have already chosen the mezzanine in the theatre. What is it and whether the scene is clearly visible, you know. Let us give examples of how these tiers look in some houses of Melpomene. The whole hall and stageare made in the same style, many carved details are finished in gold, complemented by dense beautiful fabrics. Sometimes it's nice to go to the theater to see the historical beauty. Take, for example, the Mariinsky Theatre, whose mezzanine is located above the benoir. It is lit by numerous chandeliers, giving it the appearance of a palace hall, white with gold trim and red seats. How else is the mezzanine decorated? Variety theater uses red-burgundy fabrics for decoration. It seems that the whole hall is ablaze with bright rich colors: carpets, curtains, and armchairs - everything adds up to the overall picture, complemented by white columns and sides that support the lower tier.

Benefits of buying mezzanine tickets

By purchasing a ticket to one of these places, the viewer will not be disappointed. Of the advantages of such an arrangement have already been noted: a good view of the stage, excellent audibility of actors' voices and orchestral music, let's add the comfort of sitting. Mezzanines rarely have more than 10 rows of seats, often just 6-12 chairs in 2 rows, located in a small niche. But sometimes you can make a mistake with the choice, and then you have to spend the whole time of the performance on your feet in order to at least see something.

Now you will not be tormented by the question: "The mezzanine in the theater - what is it?" When buying tickets for any performances, check the layout of the hall, the visibility of all seats and the price for them, and then choose the appropriate option.