Where to sit in the theater?

Once the three claps sound, the curtain rises and the lights go out, every spectator hopes for an unforgettable experience in the darkness of the theater. But, before going there and before being able to observe the actors' performance as well as the sets, a decision must be made: where to sit? The choice of location can indeed have a significant impact on the overall experience, influencing the view, the acoustics and even the immersion!

Here we take you through the different seating areas of a theater, looking at the pros and cons of each. So, whatever room you go to, you can carefully choose where to sit.

Where to sit when you go to see a play?

In most theaters, seating areas are usually divided into several sections, each offering a different experience for spectators. There are obviously different plans, thought out and proposed taking into account the characteristics of the space; several configurations are then possible! 

To fully appreciate the staging of the actors and the play, it is important to know the sections and choose your place carefully.

In front of the orchestra (or audience)

The orchestra, or parterre, is a section located at ground level, directly in front of the stage. The seats that make it up often offer a close-up view of the stage but can sometimes be more expensive than other sections.

In balconies or upper floors

The balconies or upper floors are above the orchestra and provide an elevated view of the stage. They can be divided into several levels, with ticket prices varying depending on height and distance from the stage.

In the dressing rooms

The boxes are small private sections located at the sides of the theater and which offer a side view of the stage; they can be a more intimate option for some spectators but are generally more expensive than orchestra seats. Not all theaters have this type of space and that's why they are famous! 

They are privileged because they are rare.

In the first rows

The first rows of each section (orchestra, balconies, etc.) allow you to have a clear view of the stage but in certain cases can also be unappreciated because they are too close to see the entire stage without having to raise the head.

These seats are reserved by people who want to be as close as possible to the action!

On the sides or back

The sides and rear give you the option of sitting in seats with a slightly obstructed view of the stage, depending on the layout of the theater. These seats are often less expensive than those located in the center or front; they are therefore appreciated by small budgets. Furthermore, certain room configurations are ideal because they allow you to benefit from reduced rates while having a clear view.

How to choose where to sit in a theater?

Choosing where to sit in the theater depends on several factors including your personal preferences and the type of show you are going to see. So that you can reserve the ideal seat for your next theater session, here are our few guidelines.

• Pay attention to the view : many people prefer to sit at orchestra level or in the balconies to have a clear view of the stage. If you want to pay attention to the whole representation, down to the smallest details, you must obviously avoid as much as possible places with visual obstacles such as pillars or balustrades;

You should therefore remember to book as soon as possible to avoid ending up with these places as your last choice!

• Acoustics : if sound quality is important to you, choose places where the sound is well balanced. Often, the best ones in this regard are in the middle of the room, at a reasonable distance from the stage;
• Budget : the most expensive seats are generally in the center of the orchestra or in the first rows of the balconies. If you are on a budget, you can reserve seats further from the stage or to the sides;

Far or sideways seats are not always uncomfortable; It’s a perfect middle ground for small budgets!

• Proximity to the stage : if you want to be close to the actors, opt for seats in the front rows of the orchestra. However, keep in mind that in some theater configurations it may be necessary to raise your head to see the entire stage;
• Personal preferences : some people prefer to be near the exit while others prefer to be more central in order to have a more immersive experience... It all depends on you! We then advise you to choose where to sit in the theater taking into account your own preferences and comfort needs.

Now you have all the information you need to choose where to sit in the theater without worrying about making the wrong choice. In all cases, you must also remember that if a choice did not suit you once, coming back will allow you to make a more suitable one!

Any excuse is good to go and return to the theater!