where you sit makes a big difference in how you see the show. the closer to the stage you are, the better you can see the actors, the set, and all the action. seats also get more expensive the closer you get to the stage, so balancing cost with view is key. seating is always assigned and there are ushers to help you find your seat throughout the theatre.

seating terms

• orchestra (orch) - this is the main floor of the theatre, where seats are on the same floor as the stage. generally the most expensive.

  • you may also see terms like 'premium' (very front, best views), side orch, or rear orch (cheaper, but still orchestra)

• mezzanine (mezz) - if the theatre has a second level, this is it

  • you may see terms like front mezz or rear mezz while shopping for tickets. depending on the show, the front mezz seats can sometimes be the best ones in the house!

• balcony (balc) - some theatres even have a third level! (not pictured)

seating tips

• use rush & lotteries - these are some of the most affordable options and generally provide great seats. read about rush and lottery on my other pages.

• if you happen to get seats that are far away or very high up (like rear mezz or balcony), bring binoculars! they help you see the details of the stage and the faces of the performers, which you would miss otherwise.

• ushers are your best friend! they are the boots on the ground inside the theatre, and if you ask them politely, you might be able to move to more desirable seats. always ask though.

• theatres are well-balanced acoustically, so no matter where you sit, you can generally hear pretty well. for those that are hard of hearing, broadway theatres often have personal listening devices available upon request. no sign language interpreting generally.

runtimes & intermission

productions lengths vary widely. the shortest show i've been to (SIX) is 80 minutes, while the longest (Harry Potter & The Cursed Child) is 3hrs 30mins. shows over 90 minutes always have an intermission, while shows under 90 are considered a 'one act' and often run straight through with no intermission. it's usually a good idea to google the runtime of your show before attending so you can plan when you'll be let out.

intermission can be a crunch time for bathroom breaks if you need it. nytix.com wrote up a great little guide on intermission.

playbills

one of my favorite souvenirs from a show - the playbill! it's the paper program handed to you by an usher while you're getting to your seat. inside are photos and cast listing, little bios on each person, the creative talent, the backstage talent, and the musician credits. they're also full of ads for other shows, as well as interviews, promos, and so much more. many people collect them (including myself) and the older ones can become collector's items.

the cover art is often delightful, if not stunning. definitely consider keeping them - they're also helpful for remembering who that performer was on stage several months later. "wow, it really was Patti LuPone!"