The first mentions of the theater date back to antiquity. In those distant times, performances took place on an ordinary stage under open air, around which there were several rows of benches. Since those times, theaters have changed their appearance, And interior decoration. Today the theater creates comfortable conditions for watching performances. All seats for spectators are divided into several types.
Parterre and balcony: origin of names
Many of the names of seats in the theater come to us from antiquity or the Middle Ages. In those days when theaters did not have separate rooms, and there were no comfortable chairs, even more so, the bulk of the audience watched the actors play simply by standing at the edge of the stage. This place was called porter.
At the same time, the stage was located in the city center, so many of the residents of nearby houses went out onto their balconies, from where they had a beautiful view and from where they could watch everything that was happening on the stage. Since that time, the spectator seats located on the second level began to be called a balcony.
When did they appear theater halls, these concepts were transferred along with the actors’ repertoires under the roof of the room. At the same time, the seats for a long time were only on the balcony and were intended for the nobility and other elite classes, while the common people continued to stand at the edge of the stage, eagerly watching the actors play. For the first time, chairs appeared in porter only during the French Revolution.
Balconies could be located both on the second tier and on the sides of the porter.
Other seats in the theater
At the same time, in modern theater the most honorable place is the box. It is a fenced-off place on a certain tier, which makes it stand out among balconies. Usually the boxes are located in the most convenient places. The main box is considered to be the general (or royal) box, which is located opposite the stage. Such a box has a separate exit, and all its visitors are visible to those present in the porter and on the balconies, which gives special significance to the guests of honor.
Another place for spectators is the benoir, which is located on either side of the porter. It is either level with the stage or slightly below it.
All lodges are conventionally divided into Italian and French, which differ in shape and size. The Italian type is more in-depth, which allows viewers to hide from prying eyes. The French box has a completely different shape and is intended to demonstrate the honorary spectators in it.
There is also a gallery and a rack, which are located on the top tier. These are the cheapest seats in the theater.
Dear friends! You, of course, know that to work productively you need to be able to rest. One of the pleasant and cultural ways A visit to the theater has long been considered a holiday. But behind the very first doors, in the lobby, we find ourselves in the world full of secrets and riddles. IN literally words. We are overwhelmed by a stream of unfamiliar and often incomprehensible words: foyer, administrator, stalls, mezzanine... What to do? Where can I find the administrator? Where is it better to take a ticket: to the stalls or the mezzanine? Where can I find the lobby? Let's try to figure it out.
Start over. What is theater?
Theater(Greek Θέατρον - main meaning - a place for spectacles, then - spectacle, from θεάομαι - I look, I see) - a form of performing art.
Theater is a synthesis of all arts, it includes music, architecture, painting, cinema, photography, etc. The main means of expression is the actor, who through action, using various theatrical techniques and forms of existence, conveys to the viewer the essence of what is happening on stage.
In this case, the actor does not have to be a living person. This could be a doll or some object controlled by a person. Theater is considered the most powerful means of influencing people, because, seeing what is happening on stage, the viewer associates himself with one or another character. Through catharsis (purification through suffering), changes occur within him. The main theater workers: directors, actors, make-up artists, cloakroom attendants, lighting technicians, ticket takers, choreographers, artists, stage workers. But more about them a little later.
Having opened the first entrance doors, we find ourselves in the lobby.
I, m. Large room separating the entrance from internal parts buildings, mainly public In many theaters, the ticket office and the administrator's window are located in the lobby.
IN box office You can purchase a ticket for the current performance or for future theater performances. If the performance is cancelled, you can return your ticket here or find out when the canceled performance will be given. The administrator window is also located there.
Administrator– a member of the theater team, responsible for the organizational side and daily work cashiers, ticket takers and other theater personnel, often also for providing free or discounted tickets for and during a specific performance; responsible for compliance with safety rules and regulations while spectators are in the theater. Having passed through the second doors, you find yourself in the theater foyer.
Neskl., Wed. A room in a theater (cinema, circus) for the audience to stay before the start of a performance, show, performance, as well as for the public to relax during intermission. From the ground floor foyer you can access the cloakroom.
– a room or specially designated space in the entrance lobby where spectators can leave outerwear, hats, umbrellas (etc.) for storage during the performance. If the theater building contains several floors, then the foyer will be present on each of them.
And now you enter the hall. In front of you is a stage and rows of chairs that “diverge” from it in rows and tiers. How to figure out where to go? On the one hand, the hall administrators will always help you. On the other hand, here are our tips: the rows of seats that are located closest to the stage are called the stalls, followed by the amphitheater, around them and slightly above are the boxes and mezzanine, above them there is a balcony in tiers.
Parterre(French arterre - on the ground) - the lower floor of the auditorium in a theater with seats for the public in the space from the stage or from the orchestra to the opposite wall or to the amphitheater. The ancestor of the stalls was the bench for senators in theaters Ancient Rome. In the 17th century, after the appearance of the tiered theater building, the stalls also changed, taking on more modern look. The stalls were intended for the lower class, so for a long time there were no seats - the stalls spectators had to watch the performance while standing. Seating in the stalls appeared at the beginning of the 17th century in private indoor theaters in England. Then the seats were arranged as needed. Nowadays, seats are most often arranged in rows that rise from the stage to the amphitheater and are parallel to the edge of the stage. The seats are separated by passages to exit the stalls.
Amphitheater– these are seats for spectators behind the stalls, located in a towering semicircle.
Lodge- This is a separate room in the auditorium, in the form of a small internal balcony, intended for several spectators. The boxes, as a rule, are located on the sides and behind the stalls, on tiers, as well as on the sides of the proscenium or adjacent to the orchestra pit (such boxes are called “benouir”). Characterized by insufficient visibility of the stage; sometimes used for lighting equipment.
Mezzanine– seats in the auditorium, usually located in a semicircle or along a curved line, behind and above the stalls and amphitheater. Sometimes considered as the balcony of the first tier of the theater.
Balcony– these are seats for spectators, located above the stalls, in various tiers of the auditorium. Note: often in English-language literature the word “balcony” refers to the balcony of the first tier. You took your seat and froze in anticipation of the performance...
Definitions of the terms presented are taken from the websites.
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 most best places, first, let's look at the diagram 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, representatives of high society came to the theater precisely for this reason. 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 front 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.
It is believed that theater begins with a hanger. But this aphorism is far from the truth. In fact, theater begins with the purchase of tickets. Which seat in the auditorium should you choose to fully enjoy an opera, ballet or performance? Price is not always a criterion for quality. For example, the first seats in the stalls are always expensive, but the viewer sitting there hears not the voices of the actors, but the sounds from the orchestra pit; He must sit throughout the performance with his head raised, and what is happening prevents him from seeing the back of the conductor’s head. Before buying tickets, it doesn’t hurt to figure out what a mezzanine in a theater, benoir, stalls, amphitheater, box, balcony and gallery are. Our article will introduce you to the intricacies of the structure of the auditorium.
What does the theater look like?
Of course, the temples of Melpomene are different. There are small auditorium which consists only of the stalls and the first tier. There are theaters with special features, for example, with a “royal box”, the decorative stucco of which blocks the view of the audience from below. There are halls without stalls, where each row is higher than the previous one (the so-called amphitheater). But here we will give a diagram classical theater. So, right in front of the stage, just below it, is the stalls. Immediately behind it is the amphitheater. On both sides of the stage, at its level or slightly above, there are two boxes called benoir. The name comes from the French baignoire - bathhouse. The fact is that these boxes are covered with a fine mesh, which determines a certain intimacy. It prevents the spectators sitting there from seeing, but in no way interferes with the latter's view.
On the same level as the stalls along the wall there are boxes with a separate entrance. Where is the mezzanine in the theater? It is located above the stalls. And even over the amphitheater. In some buildings there is a “royal” box on the same level. Above the mezzanine are the first, second and third tiers. The topmost of them is called a gallery or raek.
The word itself comes from architecture. In rich houses, the second floor, located above the ground floor, was decorated more than others. The first tier usually housed the kitchen and utility and functional premises. On the third - bedrooms, offices, boudoirs. On the fourth floor, if there was one, there were servants' rooms. But the second tier was the front tier. There were ballrooms, living rooms, and reception rooms. Sometimes the main staircase led directly to the mezzanine. The term bel étage, as we see, consists of two words. Its literal translation is " beautiful floor". This second tier of a rich house was magnificent not only inside, but also outside. It was decorated with large windows, stucco moldings and beautiful decoration. And what is the mezzanine in a theater? Photos demonstrate that this term in the temple of Melpomene carries the same meaning as and in the architecture of the house. This is not just the second tier, as a rule, it is also the most beautiful.
Problems related to location in different parts of the visual range
Even if you know what a mezzanine is in a theater, this is not a guarantee that you will buy the best seats. The appearance of the auditorium matters here; design of rows (sometimes steep and high sides interfere with visibility); acoustics (sound pits, etc.). Theater regulars have information that sometimes good visibility is accompanied by poor hearing, and vice versa. Therefore, for the ballet you need to purchase some seats (first tier, benoir), and for the opera - completely different ones (dress circle, stalls from the fifth row and beyond, amphitheater, boxes). At symphonic orchestral performances, the sound is well revealed in general on the second tier.
At chamber concerts it is better to sit not far, but not close to the stage, but always in the middle. But the mezzanine counts the best part auditorium. Even if the theater is not famous for its acoustics, the sound carries forward and slightly upward from the stage. So the audience on the most beautiful tier can enjoy the opera without any interference. Visibility there is also excellent, since the second floor allows you to see all the action from above and, unlike the gallery, without the help of binoculars.
What are the best seats in the theater on the dress circle?
As you can see, this “beautiful tier” has an advantage both in terms of visibility of the stage and audibility. But since the floor stretches along the entire back wall of the theater, it's important to know which seats to buy. And this depends on the structure of each specific auditorium. Let's take for example Mariinskii Opera House, Old stage.
Here the mezzanine is divided into boxes. Ticket prices are, to put it mildly, steep. It is best seen and heard from the first row of central boxes. Cells No. 11 and No. 12 offer excellent visibility. And from the second row too. The view is quite noticeably hampered by the decorative decorations of the “royal box”. Also, you should not buy tickets for the mezzanine next to the benoirs. These boxes are equipped with columns that block part of the stage from the audience. There are several “blind spots” in the New Hall of the Mariinsky Theater, but this does not apply to the dress circle. Visibility and audibility there are wonderful.
Mikhailovsky Theater
This cultural temple also has a classical auditorium. There are all the elements: stalls, mezzanine, benoir and three tiers with boxes. Music lovers here also claim that sound and visibility in Mikhailovsky are in conflict. In addition, here there is the notorious “royal box”. The hall in the Mikhailovsky Theater is small. Therefore, the roundness of the tiers under high angle leads to poor visibility in lateral areas. Knowing what the mezzanine is in a theater, you also need to understand that ideal viewing of the action and enjoyment of sounds without extraneous interference are achievable only in places in the center (directly opposite the stage).
State Variety Theater
Despite all the interesting productions on this stage, the audience unanimously criticizes the layout of the auditorium. Many people know that the best places are located on the “beautiful tier”. That's why they buy tickets to the mezzanine of the Variety Theater. How can you see the stage from there? If you sit in the center, it's still bearable. But the sound arrives with distortion. To the left and right of the center the mezzanine is completely unsuitable for theatrical productions.
According to spectators, it is convenient to hide there, since there are some columns, sides and other obstacles. As a result, you can only see a small part of the stage, and only from the first row. The sound that comes out is incomprehensible, with interference, a continuous inarticulate hum. Best places in State Theater the stage is the stalls.
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
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 increased level 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, take tickets for symphony concerts to seats located 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 think about your individual characteristics before choosing seats and purchasing tickets. 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
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!
