Theater Ticket Guides
Help for buying theater tickets — what the seating names mean, how sightlines differ between houses, and which show and performance details to confirm before you buy.
Theater seating terms
Orchestra (sometimes called stalls) is the main floor level closest to the stage. Mezzanine, dress circle or grand tier describes the first raised level. Balcony or upper circle sits above that. Boxes are small separate seating areas at the sides.
Layouts and naming differ between theaters, and older houses in particular have unusual arrangements, so check the seating plan for the specific theater rather than assuming one house matches another.
Sightlines and obstructed-view seats
Some theater seats have a partial view because of a support column, an overhang, a safety rail or the angle from a side seat. Listings for such seats are often marked as limited or obstructed view.
Front rows can require looking up, and seats under a deep overhang may cut off scenery flown above the stage. Read the notes and, where the theater publishes them, its own seating advisories.
Production categories
Our theater coverage distinguishes productions by where and how they run — for example New York Broadway and Off-Broadway productions, national touring productions and long-running Las Vegas engagements.
The same title can run in more than one category at once, so check the production, theater and city on the page you are viewing.
Matinee and evening performances
Many productions play both matinee and evening performances, usually on selected days. Casting for a given performance can differ, and understudies may appear at any performance.
If a specific performer matters to you, treat casting as subject to change; theaters and productions are the authority on who is scheduled to appear.
Arrival, latecomers and interval
Recommended arrival time, how latecomers are seated, and whether there is an interval are decided by the venue and production. Some houses hold latecomers until a suitable break.
Follow the guidance printed on your ticket and published by the theater for your performance.
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, transfer seating, step-free routes, captioned or audio-described performances and assistive listening are arranged by the theater, and provision varies significantly between older and newer houses.
Contact the theater to confirm what is available for your performance before you buy.
Age recommendations
Productions set their own age guidance and some restrict admission for young children or babes in arms. Recommendations reflect content and running time and are published by the production or theater.
Verify before you buy
Theater is easy to get almost right: the same title can play in several cities on the same weekend.
- The production is the one you intend to see.
- The theater and city are correct.
- The performance date and time — including matinee versus evening — are correct.
- The seating area, and any view note, is acceptable to you.
Frequently asked questions
- Which is better, orchestra or mezzanine?
- Neither is universally better. Orchestra seats are closest to the stage, while a front mezzanine position can give a fuller view of staging and choreography. It depends on the theater and the production.
- What does a limited-view theater seat mean?
- Part of the stage may be blocked by a column, rail or overhang, or the angle from a side seat may cut off some of the stage. The listing note should describe the limitation.
- What is the difference between Broadway, Off-Broadway and a touring production?
- In our coverage, Broadway and Off-Broadway describe New York productions in those categories, while a touring production is the same show staged in other cities. Check the theater and city on the production page.
- Will I see a particular cast member?
- Casting for an individual performance can change and understudies may appear. The production and theater are the authority on scheduled casting.
Related pages
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