What is a stall in the theater? What are the best seats in the theater? What kind of seats are there in the auditorium?
Row names in the theater:
Immediately behind the stage they go in order ground floor, amphitheater, mezzanine and balcony. The approximate distribution of the rows is:
This diagram of the large auditorium KTZ Palace on Yauza, on which you can see not only the location, but also the names of all rows.
The rows closest to the stage are the stalls. Following them is the amphitheater, a little higher - the mezzanine (if they are provided for in the design of the building). And then there’s the balcony
The auditorium in the theater is traditionally divided into 4 parts: stalls, amphitheater, mezzanine And balcony.
Parterre this is the lowest part of the auditorium, located directly in front of the stage and orchestra pit, if the theater has one.
Mezzanine called the lower tier of balconies located above the amphitheater.
The spectator seats located above the dress circle are called balcony. Balconies are divided into tiers, 1st, 2nd tier, etc.
Also, many theaters have lodge. Benoir boxes or simply benoir located on both sides of the stalls at stage level or slightly below. There are also boxes on the dress circle, located above the benoir, and boxes on the 1st, 2nd and other tiers.
The topmost row and the furthest row in a theater, where prices are lowest, is often called the gallerka. The rows closest to the stage in the theater are the stalls. Next to the stalls is the amphitheater, and above the amphitheater there is a dress circle.
The rows in the theater from the very first to the last are distributed among the four spaces of the theater. These are the stalls, the amphitheater, the mezzanine and the balcony.
On the sides of the stage there are boxes in tiers for the benoir, mezzanine and balcony.
In theaters built in the 19th century, there are multi-tiered balconies.
In provincial theaters, it happens that there is no amphitheater and (or) dress circle. Accordingly, the boxes of the benoir and mezzanine.
Personally, I know well where they are only stalls And balcony. I know from cinemas, in my opinion there is nothing else there except the stalls and the balcony.
Parterre- these are the front seats.
Mezzanine- these are, in my opinion, the rear seats, which are slightly raised by a high step and are thus separated from the stalls.
On the sides there are also small balconies, which were called lodges. Now, on the Internet, I found out that the exact name benoir box.
Balcony is located behind and, as it were, above the mezzanine, on the second floor.
According to the generally accepted classification, the rows in the theater are usually called as follows. The closest to the stage is the stalls. Next comes the amphitheater, even higher - the mezzanine, and of course, the balcony. Top rows It is also often called Galrka.
The closest places to the stage, directly opposite, are called the stalls. Behind him the seats of the amphitheater rise. On the sides of the stalls, slightly rising above it, are the boxes of the benoir. The second floor opposite the stage is a balcony; the side places on the second floor are called mezzanine boxes. Even higher is the gallery, the cheapest places.
If earlier in front of the stalls, in which they did not sit, but stood, there were seats in armchairs (Onegin walks between the chairs along the legs), then today all the seats in the stalls are seated.
Then, for example, in the Mariinsky Theater there are benoir boxes, then there are the mezzanine boxes, and only then there are tiers, there are three of them in the Mariinsky Theater, and in the Alexandrinsky Theater, for example, there are 4 tiers, in this theater there is no benoir.
In the middle of the tier there may be places called balcony; by the way, these are the most best places to watch ballet performances. When I buy tickets to the ballet, first of all I look to see if there are seats in the middle of the balcony on the 2nd tier. Excellent visibility and reasonable prices.
The upper tier used to be called a gallery or a district. Today, the 3rd tier (of course, preferably the middle) has the most affordable prices and is usually occupied by students. My school years passed exactly on the 3rd tier. But once I listened to the Masquerade Ball from the Royal Box.
I often go to the theater, if tickets for a performance are inexpensive, then I buy them in the stalls - these are the seats that go straight from the stage or orchestra pit to the opposite wall, the back rows of the stalls are called an amphitheater, they are separated by a passage. If it’s a little expensive, I buy it for the balcony. The balcony has several tiers: the lower tier is called the mezzanine, followed by the balcony of the first and second tiers.
There are also separate places that are located directly above the stage to the left and to the right - the box.
The names of the seats in the theater migrated from street farce performances with stages. Spectators then simply stood on the street, on the ground, hence the name stalls. One could also watch the performance from the balconies of neighboring houses; this is how the seats in the indoor theaters that appeared later began to be called.
It’s just that different balconies got their own names - mezzanine, amphitheater, gallera.
Previous speakers have already repeatedly said that the rows of seats from the orchestra seats to the opposite wall are called stalls. Why are they called that? Precisely because not on the balcony, but on the ground - in French, parterre, on the ground. If we take into account that the farthest cheap ones - the upper balcony rows, the gallery - are called the district, and in English also the gods (gods) and paradise (paradise), including among the French themselves - paradis, then the antithesis of heaven and earth becomes clear in the structure of the theatrical universe.
In this photo of Odessa opera house The stalls are clearly visible - in the very center of the photo.
Auditorium
Amphitheater(translated from Greek - “on both sides”) - this is the name of the places that rise behind the stalls with ledges. They are arranged in a semicircle.
Balcony- seats in the auditorium, located in an amphitheater in different tiers (1st tier, 2nd tier...).
Mezzanine(translated from French - “beautiful”, “wonderful”) - the first tier of the auditorium, located in a semicircle above the benoir and amphitheater. In ancient theater buildings, in the center of the mezzanine there was the so-called “royal box”. These are the most comfortable seats in the theater. The performance did not begin until the king arrived, even if he was an hour late. When he appeared, everyone applauded him, at his sign the lights were turned off and the performance began. If the king laughed, then most of the spectators laughed, if he yawned, then boredom attacked the spectators. But the worst thing for the actors was if His Majesty got up and left during the action. This meant complete failure.
Benoir(translated from French as “bath”) - boxes located on both sides of the stalls at stage level and partitioned off from each other. The history of the origin of benoir is quite funny. Once upon a time in France, which was a trendsetter in Europe, the privileged noble audience was on stage during the action, which, of course, greatly disturbed the actors. But in the 18th century this was prohibited. Then, in order to separate aristocratic spectators from the rest of the public, benoir boxes were invented. In those days, these boxes were even covered with special nets, which allowed those inside to remain invisible.
Gallery- the highest balcony of the auditorium, on which there are not very comfortable, but most cheap places. Previously, the gallery was called "paradise".
Parterre(translated from French as “on the ground”) - the lower part of the auditorium, located on the plane in front of the stage and closest to it.
Foyer- part of a theater building intended for spectators. In the foyer the audience awaits the start of the performance, and during the intermission they exchange impressions. The foyer is decorated with stands telling the history of the theater, as well as portraits of the actors working there.
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Scene 
Proscenium- the front part of the stage area between the curtain and the ramp.
Scenery(translated from French - “to decorate”) - decoration scenes that recreate the setting in which the play takes place.
Backdrop - big piece fabric or other material that is hung on the part of the stage furthest from the audience and usually represents the general background for the scenery.
A curtain- several connected panels covering the stage from the audience. This is the threshold beyond which a theatrical fairy tale begins.
Grate bars- grating flooring for installing stage mechanisms and hanging scenery. If you, sitting in the hall, see how some decorations “fly up” and disappear and others descend, know that they are all mounted on grates.
Backstage- flat parts theatrical scenery, plain or painted panels, which are located in pairs on the sides of the stage, parallel or at an angle to the ramp.
Tablet(translated from French as “board”) - the floor of the stage. The stage board consists of individual wooden panels made from high quality pine boards, which fit tightly together, but can be removed if necessary. The tablet must be very durable, because there are heavy decorations and a lot of people on it.
Turntable- part of the stage area located in the center and capable of rotating. The rotation of the turntable creates the illusion of continuous stage action. The circle can also be an invoice, smaller in size than the main one. The turntable was invented in Japan in the 18th century; it was used to equip the famous Japanese theater kabuki.
Ramp- a lighting device placed on the proscenium along its front edge. The stage lights illuminate the stage, performers and decorations from the front and bottom. The lighting equipment of the ramp is usually hidden from the public by a low side.
Soffit(translated from Italian as “ceiling”) is theatrical lighting equipment designed to illuminate the stage from the front and from above. Soffits can create the impression of a bright sunny morning or twilight, a dark dungeon or a moonlit night.
Prompter(translated from French - “to blow, to blow”). In the old days, this position was one of the most important in the theater. The prompter suggested the text to the artists from a specially equipped booth that was located on the stage. In those days, plays were produced very quickly, artists from different cities often gathered in one theater, the plays were verbose and the actors did not have time to learn the text. Therefore, performances, as a rule, were performed “under a prompter.”
Scene(translated from Greek - “tent”) - the platform on which it takes place theatrical performance. The very first stage in Europe was in Ancient Greece and was a round platform - it was called the “orchestra”. In the 16th century in England, performances were performed in hotel courtyards with internal galleries to which a platform was attached. Gradually, over time, the scene acquired the appearance it has now. There are small scenes where the action takes place in the center and the audience sits around.
Pure change- a change or rearrangement of scenery, which is done in front of the audience, usually in complete darkness, in a few seconds. requires clear and coordinated actions of all technical personnel.
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 your first viewing of the performance, it’s worth finding out how the seats are arranged so that you can clearly see the stage. Of course, front row tickets are expensive, we will talk about those that represent a compromise 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 convenient place?
How are the spectator seats located?
Consider the theater in general understanding, and not any specific building. The seating arrangement is approximately the same, only the size of the auditorium differs. The closest places 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. You shouldn’t occupy the first row if there is an orchestra pit in front of the stage, then you won’t be able to see the action at all. Sometimes the chairs are installed on a flat floor, but more often the surface is sloped, so that the heads of those sitting in front do not interfere with the people sitting behind.
Beyond them, on a slight elevation, is an amphitheater located at stage level. In these places, the viewer receives the widest and most complete view, as well as good audibility, especially when watching an opera or ballet. This optimal 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. They are often covered with a special black mesh so that people sitting inside do not interfere with the actors’ work. They are considered the most prestigious places.
Tiers and mezzanine in the theater
What is it and how are the seats above the stage located? The seating described above is complemented by tiers along the wall above stage level. Sometimes there is only one tier, but in theaters with large halls their number reaches four. The lowest one is called the mezzanine. It's quite comfortable to sit there, but it's better not to take seats close to the stage: you'll have to turn and bend over to follow the developments. It’s best to sit in the center, right above the amphitheater, in the first row. Tiers located high up 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 area of the theatre. What is it and is the stage clearly visible, you know. Let us give examples of what these tiers look like in some of Melpomene’s houses. The entire hall and stage are decorated in the same style, many carved details are finished in gold and complemented with thick, beautiful fabrics. Sometimes it's nice to go to the theater to see historical beauty. Take for example the Mariinsky Theater, the mezzanine of which is located above the benoir. It is illuminated by numerous chandeliers, giving it the appearance of a palace hall, white with gold trim and red seats. How else is the mezzanine decorated? The variety theater uses fabrics for finishing. It seems that the whole hall is glowing with bright rich colors: carpets, curtains, and chairs - everything comes together in big picture, complemented by white columns and sides supporting the lower tier.
Advantages of purchasing mezzanine tickets
Having bought a ticket to one of these places, the viewer will not be disappointed. The advantages of this arrangement have already been noted: good review scenes, excellent audibility of the actors' voices and orchestral music, let's add more seating comfort. Mezzanines rarely have more than 10 rows of seats, often there are only 6-12 chairs in 2 lines, located in a small niche. But sometimes you can make a mistake with your choice, and then you have to spend the entire 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 productions, check the visibility of all seats and their prices, and then choose the appropriate option.
They say that theater begins with the hanger, but in reality it begins with the purchase of tickets. Main question- which places to choose? There are stalls, boxes, mezzanine... In some theaters there are so-called uncomfortable seats - these are where you can’t see anything and hear little. However, such inconveniences are not always warned in advance.
Some places are too far away, while from others the edge of the stage is not visible. To choose the best seats, first let's look at the layout of the theater hall.
The stalls are the places in the auditorium area that are closest to the stage. The amphitheater is the space immediately behind the stalls. Usually the amphitheater area is slightly above the stalls. Seats in the mezzanine are even higher. At the very top there is a balcony. On both sides of the stalls there are boxes - these are small spaces with a separate entrance.
By tradition, seats in the box are considered the most prestigious - previously only rich visitors could sit there. Each box has a separate entrance, and besides this you can not only watch the performance, but also show yourself. More than a hundred years ago, it was precisely for this reason that representatives came to the theater high society. The officers sat in the stalls, and the titled persons sat in separate boxes. Leo Tolstoy described this in Anna Karenina.
Nowadays, the beautiful Vivienne, played by Julia Roberts, is introduced to the opera by businessman Edward Lewis of Richard Gere, having bought tickets in the box. But in fact, the places there are some of the most uncomfortable. The stage is not completely visible, and you have to watch the performance half-turned.
Today, to the question “What are the best seats in the theater?” Almost everyone will answer “on the ground.” Seats in the stalls are traditionally considered the best, and they are also the most expensive. Moreover, almost every theater has a so-called “sound pit” - it is located somewhere between rows 5 and 10. There the sound literally flies over the viewer. This is especially important if you are going to the opera.
A famous film example: Bruce Willis' character Corwin Dallas in the film The Fifth Element watches the opera from the front row. Many people will not recommend taking tickets to the first rows of the stalls. It is only from afar that it seems that the artists are fluttering around the stage like butterflies, but in the first row you will hear all the extraneous noises. In addition, you will have to watch the action with your head raised, and you will still see the back of the conductor’s head in front of you.
Choose seats in the middle of the hall or a little further. Tickets there are cheaper than in the front rows, and the view is better. In addition to the stalls, real theatergoers often choose the first rows of the dress circle.
In general, the most prestigious and expensive seats in the theater do not mean the best. Sometimes even on the balcony you can see and hear everything without interference.
We are accustomed to referring to the classic statement, 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 benefit from watching the performance, or whether he will never be able to really see or hear anything. Therefore, in order to avoid incidents, spoiled mood and disappointments, before purchasing tickets, you need 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. You just need to take into account a few factors that can simplify the task. We'll talk more about this later.
Comfort was not always valued
The people constantly demand 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, admire the action that unfolds on the stage, and mentally immerse yourself in a world where reality is intertwined with fiction. But being a spectator was not always as comfortable 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 by standing in front of the stage (in the stalls) or from the height of their balcony.
These same names found application with the advent of dramatic halls with a roof and walls, and others were added to them - amphitheater, mezzanine, boxes. 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 their next appearance. Let's try to understand this interesting question.
If you are a beginner and are not familiar with the features and layout of auditoriums, without which it is impossible to find the best seats in the theater, do not be discouraged - this obstacle is easily removable. First, take into account that all arenas in the world have certain similarities. Russia is no exception, where buildings were erected according to approximately the same plan, differing only architectural styles, which 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. Secondly, what type of performance do you prefer (musical, drama, ballet, opera, concert). And third - your personal characteristics, state of vision and hearing.
Simply put, you can secure the best seats in the theater by establishing the advantage of a separate viewing area for viewing a specific production, taking into account your own individuality. Based on this, we offer you some practical advice.
Emphasis on the location of 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 areas are clearly separated, their number, if the theater is large, reaches five:
- stalls;
- amphitheater;
- mezzanine;
- balconies;
- lodge.
Each of them has its own advantages and specifics, which we will now consider, and then draw a conclusion about where the best seats are in the theater.
Parterre is the area located directly in front of the stage, fairly close 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, since, being below the stage, it is inconvenient to observe what is happening, especially when the orchestra pit is located in front. But if you want to feel like a participant in the performance, the stalls in this regard will be the ideal place.
Amphitheater (literally translated “around the theater”) is an area located behind the stalls and separated from it by a passage. It can be raised slightly to stage level for excellent visibility and sound. Therefore, in terms of comfort, the amphitheater is universal. It is suitable for both ballet connoisseurs and supporters of large-scale characters performances.
The mezzanine (translated as “beautiful floor”) is the tier located above the amphitheater, well suited for fans of musicals, opera or operetta, 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 when purchasing tickets for the balcony, which occupies a position above the mezzanine.
The best seats in the theater are the boxes, which are fenced-off rooms rising on both sides of the stalls and designed for several people. A performance of any kind will look wonderful here, but you will have to spend a lot of money on purchasing a ticket. Not to mention the benoir box - the general (royal) box, located on the tier directly in front of the stage with best review and an increased level of security. Everything here is designed for important, honored guests.
There is also such a thing as a gallery, or raek, - this is the place most distant from the main action. It is located on the top tier and is suitable for the public who do not expect special comfort and want to save a little money.
Deciding on the type of presentation
In addition to highlighting the advantages of each viewing area, it will be much easier to understand 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 chase expensive tickets not worth it. Even if you are located in the middle of the second or third tiers, you will not miss anything. For ballet, the center is mainly important, otherwise the picture as a whole will not be perceived. So the middle of the balcony is a good idea.
In the Philharmonic, the front rows are very noisy, which can even negatively affect your hearing. Therefore, tickets for symphony concerts take seats away from the stage.
In the dramatic arena, don’t aim for the front row either. So, the middle of the stalls, the amphitheater in this case will be the optimal solution.
We take into account the peculiarities of our perception
If you don’t want to leave without the expected impressions, then when choosing seats and purchasing tickets, think about your individual characteristics. If you, for example, have certain hearing problems, then the performance will not be received well 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 Theater
Are you interested in the Mariinsky Theater? There is no need to choose the best places in terms of audibility; the sound there is good everywhere. But if you want to look at the artists in detail, then benoir is exactly what you need. After all, in the stalls, sitting in the front rows, you will have to throw your head high, and in the distant seats, located at a considerable distance, the effect of the performance will not please you. In terms of the combination of price and comfort, the best seats in the Mariinsky Theater, in addition to the royal box, are on the first and second tier in the center. True, an additional optical aid will not be superfluous.
Are you dreaming of a visit to the Bolshoi Theater? Then be prepared for high ticket prices and limited comfort. Even on elevated tiers, problems may arise: you will have to stand to watch the performance, otherwise the events on stage will not be visible. According to many, the best places in Bolshoi Theater, without taking into account the “biters” in price, is the middle of the ground. The view is excellent, and other people's heads are not in the way.
We make the final decision
Don't pay attention to 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!
