What are the best theater seats?

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

We are accustomed to refer to the statement of the classic, which says: "The theater begins with a hanger", although many believe that the most important thing in the temple of Melpomene is the auditorium. After all, the location of the seats plays a key role in whether a particular person will receive aesthetic pleasure from watching the performance, or he will not be able to really see and hear anything. Therefore, in order to avoid incidents, spoiled mood and disappointment, before buying tickets, it is necessary to clearly determine where the best seats are in the theater. Of course, the most successful options will cost a lot of money, but a compromise solution can always be found. It is only necessary to take into account several factors that can simplify the task. We'll talk more about this later.

Comfort was not always valued

People are constantly demanding spectacles, emotions and celebration. At all times, it was the theater that gave him such an opportunity. After all, here you can enjoy the acting of actors, admire the action that unfolds on the stage, mentally immerse yourself in a world where reality is intertwined with fiction. But it was not always as convenient to be in the place of the spectator as it is today. This was not given much importance, and the main factor was the event itself. Fans of the street arenas of the Middle Ages could watch what was happening only standing in front of the stage (in the stalls) or from the height of their balcony.

The same names were used with the advent of dramatic halls with a roof and walls, and others were added to them - an amphitheater, mezzanine, lodges. Comfort has become a priority, so for modern art connoisseurs, the question of which seats are the best in the theater remains the main one when planning the next release. Let's try to understand this interesting question.

Useful tips for theater fans: choosing the best seats

If you are a beginner and are not familiar with the features and layout of auditoriums, without which it is impossible to establish the best seats in the theater, do not be discouraged - this obstacle is easily removed. To begin with, take into account that all the arenas of the world have a certain similarity. Russia is no exception, where the buildings were erected according to approximately the same plan, differing only in architectural styles that depended on the specifics of the troupe's work.

The first thing you should pay attention to when choosing a landing zone is its functionality. Second, what type of performance do you prefer (musical, drama, ballet, opera, concert). And the third is your personal characteristics, the state of sight and hearing.

Simply put, the best seats in the theater can be secured by setting the advantage of a single visual area for viewing a particular production, taking into account your ownindividuality. Based on this, we offer you some practical advice.

Emphasis on the location of the spectator areas

There are people who, in principle, do not care where to sit, but if you are not one of them, try to remember the following: all seating zones are clearly separated, their number, if the theater is large, reaches five:

• parterre;
• amphitheater;
• mezzanine;
• balconies;
• lie.

Each of them has its own advantages and specifics, which we will now consider, and then we will conclude where the best seats are in the theater.

Parterre - the territory located directly in front of the stage, in sufficient proximity to it, but at a lower level. Many are convinced that the first rows are the most prestigious and have a very good location. But this is not entirely true, because, being below the stage, it is inconvenient to watch what is happening, especially when there is an orchestra pit in front. But if you want to feel like an accomplice in the performance, the stalls in this regard will be the perfect place.

Amphitheater (literally translated "around the theatre") - an area located behind the stalls and separated from it by a passage. It can rise slightly to level with the stage for excellent visibility and sound. Therefore, in terms of comfort, the amphitheater is universal. It is suitable both for connoisseurs of ballet and for supporters of large-scale performances in terms of the number of actors.

Mezzanine floor (translated as “beautiful floor”) is a tier that is located above the amphitheater, well suited for lovers of musicals, opera oroperettas, as excellent audibility is guaranteed here. But in order to get a good look at the dramatic production, you will have to get binoculars.

Binoculars will also come in handy if you buy tickets to the balcony, which occupies a position above the mezzanine.

The best seats in the theatre, without a doubt, are boxes, which are fenced-off rooms that rise on both sides of the stalls and are designed for several people. A performance of any character will look wonderful here, you just have to spend a lot on buying a ticket. Not to mention the Benoir box - the general (royal) box, located on a tier right in front of the stage with the best view and an increased level of security. Everything here is designed for important, honored guests.

There is also such a thing as a gallery, or a rayek, - this is the most distant place from the main action. It is located on the highest tier and is suitable for the public who do not pretend to special comfort and want to save a little.

Determining the type of presentation

In addition to highlighting the pros of each visual area, it will be much easier to figure out which seats are the best in the theater after the choice of the type of dramatic art has been made.

If you like opera, then you should not chase expensive tickets. Even sitting in the middle of the second or third tiers, you won't miss anything. For ballet, the center is mainly important, otherwise the picture as a whole cannot be perceived. So the middle of the balcony is a good fit.

In the Philharmonic onthe front rows are very noisy, which can even adversely affect your hearing. Therefore, take tickets for symphony concerts to seats located away from the stage.

In the dramatic arena, don't aim for the front rows either. So, the middle of the stalls, the amphitheater in this case will be the best solution.

We take into account the peculiarities of our perception

If you do not want to leave the temple of Melpomene without the expected impressions, then first, when choosing seats and buying tickets, think about your individual characteristics. If, for example, you have certain hearing problems, then the performance will be perceived badly from the gallery. It will only get worse if, with farsightedness, you sit in the front row, and with myopia, sit on the balcony. Therefore, focus on what will be convenient and acceptable specifically for you.

Advice for those planning a visit to the Mariinsky Theatre

Are you interested in the Mariinsky Theatre? You won't have to choose the best places in terms of audibility, the sound is good everywhere. But if you want to consider the artists in detail, then the benoir is exactly what you need. Indeed, in the stalls, sitting in the front rows, you will have to throw your head high, and in the far, located at a considerable distance, the effect of the performance will not please. In terms of price and comfort, the best seats in the Mariinsky Theater, in addition to the royal box, are on the first and second tiers in the center. True, an additional optical tool will not be superfluous.

Recommendations for those going to the Bolshoi Theater

Dream about visiting the Bolshoi Theatre? Then be prepared for expensive tickets and limited comfort. Even on elevated tiers, problems can arise: you will have to follow the performance while standing, otherwise the events on the stage will not be visible. According to many, the best seats in the Bolshoi Theater, without taking into account the “biting” in price, are the middle of the stalls. The view is excellent, and other people's heads do not interfere.

Make a final decision

If you have taken into account all the recommendations, risks and reviews of friends about where the best seats in the theater are, but have not stocked up on the appropriate mood, none of the tips will help.

Ignore minor inconveniences, try to focus on the meaning of what is happening on stage, enjoy the magical moment of touching real art, relax and have fun!