Buying your first ticket to Broadway? There are plenty of things to consider when selecting your seats. Luckily, Broadway theatres are an intimate setting, so there are often no bad seats in the house. With the orchestra, mezzanine, and balcony to choose from, each section offers its own unique viewing experience. Here’s a complete guide to selecting your seats and the special distinctions between each tier.
Understanding Broadway Theatre Seating Layouts
Most Broadway theatres follow a traditional three-level seating structure:
- Orchestra (ground level)
- Mezzanine (first elevated level)
- Balcony (highest level)
While every Broadway theatre is architecturally unique, these sections generally function the same way across venues.
Orchestra
Best for first-time Broadway visitors, immersive experiences, and strong emotional connection.
The orchestra section of a theatre, otherwise known as the stalls in London, features the lowest, ground-level seats directly in front of the stage. The orchestra offers proximity to the action, strong emotional and visual impact, and is often considered the most “premium” experience.
There are a few things about the orchestra to consider. Front row might require looking up, but you’ll be closest to the action. The far sides of the orchestra might be labeled partial view, but offer an intimate experience at a lower price.
If you want to feel fully immersed in the world of the show, center orchestra seating is definitely going to be the safest choice.
Mezzanine
Best for seeing full staging, choreography, and production design. Also known as the dress circle.
The mezzanine is the first tier of seating above the orchestra, offering a slightly elevated vantage point, providing you with the best view of the show. In London it is called the dress circle, select Broadway theatres like the Hudson Theatre and the Lyric Theatre use this terminology.
The mezzanine provides a wonderful view of the choreography and formations, and usually unobstructed sightlines. This section is often more affordable than orchestra seats and is especially ideal for visually complex musicals. The main considerations are that the mezzanine is slightly less intimate than orchestra seating and the rear mezzanine rows might feel further from the stage.
If you want to take in the entirety of the production, from lighting to choreography, without paying premium orchestra prices, the mezzanine is an excellent seating option for you. Oftentimes the first and second row of the mezzanine provides better views than the rear orchestra seats, depending on the production.
Balcony
Best for budget-friendly seat offerings and repeat theatergoers.
The balcony is the highest seating level in a Broadway theatre. While it offers the most distant view, it can still provide a rewarding experience, especially for large-scale spectacles.
While the distance of the balcony does make it a bit harder to make out details such as facial expressions, these seats often provide the Broadway experience at the lowest possible cost.
If cost is your primary concern or you’re planning on attending multiple shows during your trip, balcony seats can be a great way to experience Broadway.
Special Distinctions
Partial view, box seats, standing room only.
Some additional Broadway seating terminology to know is partial view, box seats, and standing room only. Partial-view seats may have obstructed sightlines due to architectural elements or be located on the extreme sides of the theatre. Box seats are private or semi-private, small seating areas typically located on the sides, above the orchestra, or front of the balcony. Standing room only (SRO) tickets are located at the back of the orchestra section and are sold day-of at the box office only for sold-out performances.
Still curious about the view from your seat? Be sure to use our virtual preview feature when choosing your tickets, now available for select shows on Broadway Direct, an official Broadway ticket seller.
