So, you’re looking to book seats to watch your favourite play at one of the greatest theatres around, but you’re not sure where is the best place to sit. Before you book your tickets, take a look at our handy guide explaining all of the key terms you will see when making a booking at the theatre.
Discover the best types of seating arrangements in our blog.
Stalls
Stalls are seats situated on the ground level at the front of the stage, allowing you to be up-close to the action on stage. These types of seats provide one of the best views in the house. But may also feel restrictive or too close if the stage is raised much higher than ground level. For larger theatres, you may find that you have to look up throughout the performance.
Stall seats are your best option if you are looking for cheaper tickets.
Premium Theatre Seats
Premium seats are, of course, the best seats in the house. This type of raked seating is situated in the middle row a few rows back from the stage, giving audience members a perfect view of the stage. Although premium seats will typically be the most expensive seats in the house. If you are planning on watching your favourite play then these seats are the best option to have the most enjoyable theatre experience.
Dress Circle or Royal Circle
Referred to as either the dress circle or the royal circle in some theatres. These seats will be located on the top seating row above the stage. Choosing to sit in the dress circle means you will never miss a moment of the performance, and in some theatres with an overhang you may even be as close to the stage as members sitting on the ground floor front rows if your seats are on the first rows of the dress circle.
You may be familiar with dress circle or royal circle seating if you have ever visited the Leicester Curve Theatre.
Upper Circle
The upper circle will often be the highest seating level in any theatre, usually the third level, and will often be quite high, and therefore theatre-goers that suffer from vertigo or a fear of heights may not be suited for this type of seating.
If you are looking for some of the cheapest tickets for a performance, then the upper circle will often be your best option.
Theatre Balcony and Gallery Seating
The balcony or gallery is the highest seating level available in a theatre. But most theatres do not have enough room to feature these types of seats. Gallery seating may not be for everyone, but as tickets for big performances get low you may need to settle for balcony sitting to avoid missing out on your favourite performances!
Restricted View
Restricted view means that some of the performance may be blocked from sight from where you are sitting. This could be due to obstructions such as pillars, speakers, sound boards, railing, or even some stage props for larger performances. Restricted view seating will not apply for all performances or theatres, but you will be informed of which seats have a restricted view before purchasing tickets to a show.
This does not mean that you will not be able to see the show at all. But you will not have the same unrestricted view as most other seated guests.
Box Theatre Seats
Box seats are the most exclusive seats in the house. Private, luxurious, and often with the best elevated view possible, box seats allow you to enjoy your favourite theatrical productions in a private area away from other guests. Sometimes referred to as a loge or loggia, box seating allows small groups to stay together without bothering or being bothered by others in attendance. For certain venues, box seating may also include table service for drinks and refreshments.
Box seating will naturally be the most expensive seating option available. But if you are looking to make the show an extra special experience, box seats are the best option for you.
Standing View
Most modern theatres will only accommodate seated attendees. However, traditional theatres such as The Globe in London still allow for a number of standing patrons. Which is also a common practice for outdoor performances.
During the time of Shakespeare in the 16th and 17th centuries, standing attendees were much more common. Referred to as ‘groundlings’, standing tickets were available for as little as a penny, and allowed regular folks that could not afford the standard price of a ticket to attend theatrical productions. However, in those days ‘groundlings’ were often cramped together standing shoulder to shoulder.
House Theatre Seats
House seats are generally reserved for last minute attendance by guests or friends of the cast, producer, or theatre staff. A number of tickets are kept aside up until a few days before the show date, and may be offered as last minute tickets to the public if the house seats have not been filled before the show.
On occasion, house seats may be cheaper than regular seats if they are sold at the last minute. But it is best not to rely on them becoming available instead of buying a ticket in advance.
Aisle
The aisle is the area between seats that guests and ushers use to gain access to their assigned seats.
Matinee
A matinee show occurs before 7pm, and may also be referred to as an afternoon performance. Theatres may sometimes offer 2 performances a day, with the first being a ‘matinee’ show.
Programme
Programmes are a booklet or leaflet that provides information on the cast, biographies, a plot of the play, and other information relevant to the show’s proceedings. These are generally considered collectors items, and can either be purchased from the foyer or from ushers during the show.
Rake
The rake refers to elevation of the seating rows to allow each audience member a view of the stage. On the ground floor, the seats will be raked slightly. Whereas the elevation may be considerably more on the higher tiers of the theatre.
Read more about the advantages of Raked Seating.
Luxury Theatre Seating Solutions for Audiences
Auditoria provides bespoke, luxury seating solutions for a number of theatres, cinemas, lecture halls and sports halls around the UK.
You can talk to our expert team today to discuss your requirements. We work directly with our customers to create the perfect solution for your venue. Including a range of options for upholstery, seating elevation, seat styles and more.
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