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 what tickets are best to buy. But when planning your first viewing of the play, it’s worth to find out how the seats are located, where you can clearly see the scene. Of course, tickets in the front rows are expensive, we will talk about those that are a compromise of affordable price and comfortable viewing. We dwell on the definition of "mezzanine in the theater." What is it and how to choose a convenient place?
How are the seats located?
Consider the theater in the general sense, and not some specific building. The location of the seats is approximately the same, only the area of the auditorium is different. The closest places to the scene are called stalls. These are the most convenient places to view, which affects their cost - tickets for them are the most expensive. The first row should not be occupied, if there is an orchestra pit in front of the stage, then the action will not be visible at all. Sometimes the chairs are installed on a flat floor, but more often the surface has a slope, so that the people sitting in front do not interfere with the people sitting in the back.
Next to them on a small elevation is an amphitheater located at the scene level. At these places, the viewer gets the widest and most complete review, as well as good audibility, especially when watching an opera or ballet. This is the best choice in terms of price and panoramic view. Sometimes next to the stage, on the sides of the stalls there are special lodges called benoirs. Often they are closed with a special black mesh so that the people sitting inside do not interfere with the work of the actors. They are considered the most prestigious places.
Tiers and mezzanine in the theater
What is it and how are places located above the stage? The seats described above are supplemented by tiers along the wall above the stage. Sometimes there is only one tier, and in theaters with halls of a large area, their number reaches four. The lowest one is called the mezzanine. Sitting there is quite comfortable, but it’s better not to take places close to the stage: you have to turn and lean in order to follow the development of events. It is best to center, right above the amphitheater, in the front row. Tiers located high will not allow actors to be discerned without binoculars, but tickets there are the cheapest. Sometimes these places are called balconies.
Decorating mezzanines
You may already have chosen a mezzanine in the theater. What is it and is the scene clearly visible, you know. Let us give examples of how these tiers look in some houses of Melpomene. The whole hall and stage are designed in the same style, many carved details are finished in gold, complemented by dense beautiful fabrics. Sometimes it’s nice to go to the theater to see the historical beauty. Take, for example, the Mariinsky Theater, whose mezzanine 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 for decoration of
red-burgundy fabric
. It seems that the whole room is glowing with bright rich colors: carpets, and curtains, and armchairs - everything adds up to the big picture, complemented by white columns and sides supporting the lower tier.
Benefits of buying mezzanine tickets
Having bought a ticket to one of these places, the viewer will not be disappointed. Of the advantages of this arrangement have already been noted: a good overview of the scene, excellent audibility of acting voices and orchestral music, we add the convenience of sitting. Mezzanines rarely have more than 10 rows of armchairs, often it’s only 6-12 chairs in 2 lines, located in a small niche. But sometimes you can make a mistake with the choice, and then you have to spend the whole time of the performance on your feet in order to at least see something.
Now you will not be tormented by the question: "mezzanine in the theater - what is it?" When buying tickets for any performances, specify the layout of the hall, the visibility of all seats and the price for them, and then choose the appropriate option.