We are used to referring to the statement of the classic, which reads: “The theater begins with a hanger”, although many believe that the most important thing in the Melpomene temple is the auditorium. After all, the location of the seats plays a key role in whether a particular person will receive aesthetic pleasure from watching the performance, or whether he will not be able to really see and hear anything. Therefore, in order to avoid incidents, spoiled moods and disappointments before buying tickets, you must clearly determine where the best places 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 should only consider several factors that can simplify the task. We will talk more about this later.
Comfort was not always appreciated.
The people constantly require spectacles, emotions and celebration. At all times, it was the theater that gave him such an opportunity. After all, here you can enjoy the game of actors, admire the action that takes place on the stage, mentally plunge into a world where reality is intertwined with fiction. But in the place of the viewer was not always as convenient as today. This was not given much importance, and the main factor was the event itself. Fans of street arenas of the Middle Ages could watch what was happening only standing in front of the stage (in the stalls) or from the height of their balcony.
The same names found application with the advent of drama halls with a roof and walls, others were added to them - an amphitheater, mezzanine, lodges. Comfort has become a priority, therefore, for contemporary art lovers, the question of which seats are the best in the theater remains the main one when planning the next publication. Let's try to figure out this interesting question.
Useful tips for theater fans: choosing the best places
If you are a beginner and do not navigate the features and layout of auditoriums, without which it is impossible to establish the best seats in the theater, do not be discouraged - this obstacle is easily removable. To begin with, take into account that all arenas of the world have a certain similarity. Russia is no exception, where the buildings were erected according to approximately the same plan, differing only in 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. The second - what kind of performance do you prefer (musical, drama, ballet, opera, concert). And the third - your personal characteristics, state of vision and hearing.
Simply put, the best places in the theater can be secured by setting the advantage of a single visual zone for viewing a specific production, taking into account your own personality. Based on this, we offer you some practical advice.
Focus on the location of the audience 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 the landing zones are clearly divided, their number, if the theater is large, reaches five:
- stalls;
- amphitheater;
- mezzanine;
- balconies;
- lodges.
Each of them has its own advantages and specifics, which we will now consider, and then we will conclude where the best places are in the theater.
Parterre - the territory located directly in front of the stage, in sufficient proximity to it, but at a lower level. Many are convinced that the front 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 an orchestra pit is in front. But if you want to feel like an accomplice in the performance, the stall in this regard will be an ideal place.
Amphitheater (literally translated "around the theater") - a zone located behind the stalls and separated from it by a passage. It can rise slightly, reaching the level of the scene, which provides excellent visibility and sound. Therefore, in terms of comfort, the amphitheater is universal. It is suitable for both ballet lovers and supporters of large-scale performances in terms of the number of actors.
Mezzanine (translated as “beautiful floor”) is a tier that is located above the amphitheater, well suited for lovers of musicals, operas or operettas, as excellent audibility is guaranteed here. But to get a good look at the dramatic production, you will have to acquire binoculars.
Binoculars come in handy when buying tickets for the balcony, which occupies a position above the mezzanine.
The best places in the theater, without a doubt, are lodges, which are fenced rooms, towering on both sides of the stalls and designed for several people. A performance of any character here will look wonderful, only you have to decently spend money on a ticket. Not to mention the Benoir bed - the general (royal) box, located on the tier right in front of the stage with the best visibility and increased security. Everything here is designed for important, honored guests.
There is such a thing as a gallery, or racks, - this is the place farthest from the main action. It is located on the highest tier and is suitable for the public, which does not claim to be particularly comfortable and wants to save a little.
Determined with the type of presentation
In addition to highlighting the advantages of each visual zone, it will be much easier to figure out which places are the best in the theater after choosing the type of dramatic art.
If you like opera, then chasing expensive tickets is not worth it. Even sitting in the middle of the second or third tiers, you will not miss anything. For ballet, the center is mainly important, otherwise the whole picture cannot be perceived. So the middle of the balcony is a good fit.
In the Philharmonic, the front rows are very noisy, which can even adversely affect your hearing. Therefore, take tickets to symphony concerts to places located farther from the stage.
In the dramatic arena, too, do not strive to the forefront. So, the middle of the stalls, the amphitheater in this case will be the best solution.
We take into account the peculiarities of our perception
If you do not want to leave the Melpomene temple without the expected impressions, then first, when choosing places and buying tickets, think about your individual characteristics. If, for example, you have certain hearing problems, then from the gallery the performance will be perceived poorly. It will only get worse if, with farsightedness, you settle 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 to attend the Mariinsky Theater
Interested in the Mariinsky Theater? You won’t have to choose the best places in terms of audibility, the sound is good everywhere. But if you want to examine artists in detail, then the Benoir is exactly what you need. Indeed, in the stalls, sitting on the front rows, you will have to throw your head high, and on distant places located at a considerable distance, the effect of the performance will not please. By the combination of price and comfort, the best places in the Mariinsky Theater, in addition to the royal box, are on the first and second tiers in the center. True, an additional optical tool will not be amiss.
Recommendations for those going to the Bolshoi Theater
Dreaming of a visit to the Bolshoi Theater? Then be prepared for the high cost of tickets and limited comfort. Even on elevated tiers, problems can arise: you will have to follow the performance while standing, otherwise events on the stage will not be visible. According to many, the best seats in the Bolshoi Theater, without taking into account the “biting” price, is the middle of the stall. The review is beautiful, and other people's heads do not interfere.
We make the final decision
If you took into account all the recommendations, risks and reviews of friends about where the best seats are in the theater, but did not stock up on the appropriate mood, none of the tips will help.
Do not 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!