Learn more about where each section of theatre seating — including orchestra, mezzanine, and balcony — is located and what kind of view you'll get from each.
There's no bad seat at the theatre. No matter where you sit, you're able to experience the stellar performances and well-crafted designs your chosen show has to offer. Some seating sections are touted as "better" than others, but really, the "best" seat is a matter of each audience member's preference. Check out this guide to help you determine which seating area is best for you.
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Orchestra seats are on the ground floor of a theatre. If you're sitting in the first few rows, you'll be close enough to see the tiniest costume details and hear every little step. Orchestra seats extend from the very front to the very back of the theatre, so there's plenty of room to choose exactly how far back you want to sit. No matter which row you're in, you'll be nearly level with the stage, giving you a straight-on point of view.
Read our complete guide to orchestra seats for more detailed information.
The mezzanine is the second level of seats. If you're sitting here, you'll be looking slightly down at the performance. Since the first row of the mezzanine is located toward the middle of the theatre, however, you'll still be able to see the performers' faces and movements just as well as you would from mid-orchestra. The farther back you go, you'll be able to see fewer details, but you'll get a wider view of the stage.
Read our complete guide to mezzanine and balcony seats for more detailed information.
The balcony is the third level of seating, located above the mezzanine and set back a little further. Not all Broadway theatres have one; some only have an orchestra and mezzanine, and some small theatres only have one level. If you sit in the balcony, you're guaranteed the widest view. Not only will you be able to see the whole stage, but most of the theatre itself, too.
You might not be able to make out subtle facial expressions or design details, but you'll still get a great experience — the cast rehearses with all levels of the theatre in mind, so you'll be able to hear and see all the major action. Plus, balcony seats are often the cheapest, so they're a great option if you're seeing theatre on a budget.
Read our complete guide to mezzanine and balcony seats for more detailed information.
Box seats are located on either side of a theatre, level with the mezzanine. Each box has only a few seats, so these seats are perfect for small groups looking for a space to themselves, or else any solo theatregoer or couple that doesn't want to sit near too many other people. Since you're off to one side, your view of that side of the stage may be obstructed a little by light or scenic fixtures, but otherwise, you get a similar view as in the mezzanine.
As the name suggests, restricted view seats let the occupant know something will block their view of part of the stage: perhaps a pillar, a set piece, a light fixture, or an overhang. These seats are usually off to the very sides of the theatre and/or way up top.
Restricted view seats are often discounted, which is a plus. Even if you're sitting in a restricted view seat, you'll be able to see a majority of the stage and the action.
When picking your seats during the ticket-buying process on New York Theatre Guide, restricted view seats are designated with a two-tone dot.
There are various types of accessible seats at Broadway theatres: wheelchair seating, companion seating, aisle transfer seating, and low vision- and hearing-accessible seating. Not every venue has all these seating types, but all have wheelchair seating.
Read our full guide to accessibility at each Broadway theatre. If you have specific accessibility requests or questions, contact the venue directly.
Onstage seats are — you guessed it — located right on the stage or performance area. They're rarely an option in traditional Broadway theatres, but smaller venues or venues with 360-degree seating may offer them for immersive experiences. Actors may come very close to, or directly interact with, audience members sitting on stage, so these seats are not for the shy!
Be mindful that any moves or sounds you make may be perceived by both the actors and the audience, but you'll get an up-close-and-personal experience of the show as though you're a part of it.
Some Off-Broadway theatres don't assign you a specific seat when you buy a ticket. A general admission ticket allows you to choose your own seat when you arrive at the venue. These types of tickets are usually sold at small or unconventional venues where there's only one section of seating. You'll likely get a good view no matter where you sit — but if you want to secure a specific spot, be sure to arrive early!
Some Broadway shows designate certain seats as premium seats. They're usually in the center section of the orchestra, a few rows back from the front, or at the very front of the mezzanine. These seats offer the clearest view of the show, close to the action without being too close — but they sell at top dollar. If your trip to the theatre is a special occasion, premium seats may be worth the splurge.
Some Broadway shows offer last-minute standing room tickets on the day of a performance. If you have the stamina to stand for the entire length of a show, you can get these tickets at a discounted price. Standing audiences are usually placed at the back of the orchestra. Since those in front of you will be seated, you'll have a direct, unobstructed view, though far back from the stage.
Perhaps you've heard the terms "stage left" and "house left" before, but don't know the difference. House left and right refer to the audience's point of view, while stage left and right refer to the actor's point of view. If an actor enters from their left, it's stage left for them, but it'll look like they're on the right to you.
Below, discover seating information for all 41 Broadway venues. Click the link in each section to visit the venue's dedicated landing page on New York Theatre Guide for more details.
Al Hirschfeld Theatre
Ambassador Theatre
August Wilson Theatre
Barrymore Theatre
Belasco Theatre
Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre
Booth Theatre
Broadhurst Theatre
Broadway Theatre
Circle in the Square Theatre
Eugene O'Neill Theatre
Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre
Gershwin Theatre
Golden Theatre
Hayes Theater
Hudson Theatre
Imperial Theatre
James Earl Jones Theatre
Lena Horne Theatre
Longacre Theatre
Lunt-Fontanne Theatre
Lyceum Theatre
Lyric Theatre
Majestic Theatre
Marquis Theatre
Minskoff Theatre
Music Box Theatre
Nederlander Theatre
Neil Simon Theatre
New Amsterdam Theatre
Palace Theatre
Richard Rodgers Theatre
Samuel J. Friedman Theatre
Shubert Theatre
St. James Theatre
Stephen Sondheim Theatre
Studio 54
Todd Haimes Theatre
Vivian Beaumont Theater
Walter Kerr Theatre
Winter Garden Theatre
Al Hirschfeld Theatre
The Al Hirschfeld Theatre has two seating levels, the orchestra and mezzanine, as well as “can-can” table seating in the front, between the stage and a catwalk. This theatre also offers wheelchair-accessible and companion seating.
Capacity: 1,424 seats
Address: 302 W. 45th St.
Ambassador Theatre
The Ambassador Theatre offers two seating levels, the orchestra and mezzanine, as well as two sets of box seats on either side of the auditorium. The orchestra has wheelchair-accessible seating, and both levels have companion seating.
Capacity: 1,114 seats
Address: 219 W. 49th St.
August Wilson Theatre
The August Wilson Theatre currently operates as a theatre-in-the-round, with a stage in the center and seating on all sides. The two levels include the orchestra, which has both table and traditional seats available, and the mezzanine. Wheelchair-accessible, companion, and transfer seats are all available as well.
Capacity: 1,228 seats
Address: 245 W. 52nd St.
Barrymore Theatre
The Ethel Barrymore Theatre consists of two seating levels, the orchestra and mezzanine. There are also three sections of box seats on each side of the theatre. The orchestra has wheelchair-accessible seating as well as companion seating.
Capacity: 1,058 seats
Address: 243 W. 47th St.
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Belasco Theatre
The Belasco Theatre has three seating levels: the orchestra, mezzanine, and balcony. There are also boxes on either side of the theatre, offering a total of 24 box seats. Wheelchair-accessible and transfer seating is available, as are companion seats.
Capacity: 1,059 seats
Address: 111 W. 44th St.
Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre
The Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre offers two seating levels, an orchestra and mezzanine, plus boxes on either side of the venue. It includes wheelchair-accessible seats only in the orchestra, and transfer and companion seating in both the orchestra and mezzanine.
Capacity: 1,078 seats
Address: 242 W. 45th St.
Booth Theatre
The Booth Theatre features two seating levels, the orchestra and mezzanine, plus boxes on either side of the auditorium. Accessible seating includes wheelchair, transfer, and companion seats.
Capacity: 766 seats
Address: 222 W. 45th St.
Broadhurst Theatre
The Broadhurst Theatre is broken up into two levels, with an orchestra and mezzanine, as well as boxes on either side of the auditorium. The orchestra has step-free wheelchair and companion seating, while the orchestra and mezzanine have transfer seating.
Capacity: 1,186 seats
Address: 235 W. 44th St.
Broadway Theatre
One of the few Broadway theatres actually located on the street called Broadway, this venue has orchestra and mezzanine seating. Box seats are also available on either side of the theatre. Wheelchair and aisle transfer seating is available.
Capacity: 1,761 seats
Address: 1681 Broadway
Circle in the Square Theatre
The Circle in the Square Theatre is a unique Broadway venue with seating surrounding the stage on three sides. This intimate, immersive theatre has one of the smallest Broadway venue capacities and has just one seating level. Accessible seating is available, with companion and wheelchair seating available.
Capacity: 623 seats
Address: 235 W. 50th St.
Eugene O'Neill Theatre
The Eugene O’Neill Theatre has two levels, the orchestra and mezzanine, plus seating in boxes on either side of the stage. There is accessible seating only on the orchestra level, which includes wheelchair spaces, aisle transfer seats, and companion seats.
Capacity: 1,066 seats
Address: 230 W. 49th St.
Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre
The Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre offers seating on two levels, the orchestra and mezzanine. There is accessible seating available on both levels, with wheelchair-accessible, aisle transfer, and companion seats on the orchestra level and transfer seats on the mezzanine level.
Capacity: 1,079 seats
Address: 222 W. 51st St.
Gershwin Theatre
The largest Broadway theatre, the Gershwin Theatre has just under 2,000 seats across two levels, the orchestra and mezzanine. Wheelchair locations and companion seats are available in the orchestra, while aisle transfer seats are available in both levels.
Capacity: 1,933 seats
Address: 236 W. 45th St.
Golden Theatre
One of the smaller Broadway venues, the John Golden Theatre has two levels, an orchestra and mezzanine. The orchestra offers accessible wheelchair spaces, transfer seats, and companion seats, while the mezzanine has transfer seats.
Capacity: 805 seats
Address: 252 W. 45th St.
Hayes Theater
The Hayes Theater is the smallest Broadway theatre at just under 600 seats. It has two levels, an orchestra and mezzanine. Unlike many Broadway theatres, the Hayes Theater has an elevator, so wheelchair-accessible seating is spread among both the orchestra and mezzanine, along with companion seats.
Capacity: 597 seats
Address: 240 W. 44th St.
Hudson Theatre
The Hudson Theatre has three levels: an orchestra, dress circle, and balcony. The Hudson has an elevator that reaches the dress circle, but not the balcony. However, accessible seating is only available on the orchestra level, with wheelchair spaces, companion seating, and transfer seats.
Capacity: 970 seats
Address: 141 W. 44th St.
Imperial Theatre
The Imperial Theatre has an orchestra and mezzanine. There are also boxes with seating on either side of the stage. There is wheelchair-accessible and companion seating in the orchestra, while the mezzanine only offers aisle transfer seats.
Capacity: 1,443 seats
Address: 249 W. 45th St.
James Earl Jones Theatre
The James Earl Jones Theatre has three seating levels, the orchestra, mezzanine, and balcony. Wheelchair-accessible seating is available in the orchestra along with companion seats, as well as aisle transfer seats. The building has an elevator, which can be used to access all levels.
Capacity: 1,084 seats
Address: 138 W. 48th St.
Lena Horne Theatre
The Lena Horne Theatre features two main sections, the orchestra and mezzanine. Designed in a Spanish Revival style, the Lena Horne also features boxes on either side of the venue and accessible seating in the orchestra.
Capacity: 1,094 seats
Address: 256 W. 47th St.
Longacre Theatre
The Longacre Theatre has three seating levels, the orchestra, mezzanine, and balcony, plus boxes on either side of the venue. The orchestra has accessible seating for wheelchair users and companions, along with aisle transfer seats. The upper levels can be accessed via a small elevator, but it may not fit all types of wheelchairs and mobility devices.
Capacity: 1,091 seats
Address: 220 W. 48th St.
Lunt-Fontanne Theatre
The Lunt-Fontanne Theatre has two levels of seating across the orchestra and mezzanine, plus boxes on either side. There are wheelchair spaces and companion seats located in the orchestra, as well as transfer seats in both the orchestra and mezzanine.
Capacity: 1,519 seats
Address: 205 W. 46th St.
Lyceum Theatre
One of Broadway’s oldest venues, the Lyceum Theatre has three levels of seating: the orchestra, mezzanine, and balcony. There are also boxes along each side of the venue. The orchestra has wheelchair spaces and companion seats, and there are transfer seats in the orchestra and mezzanine.
Capacity: 922 seats
Address: 149 W. 45th St.
Lyric Theatre
The Lyric Theatre is one of Broadway’s larger theatres and offers three levels of seating, the orchestra, dress circle (mezzanine), and balcony. There are also several boxes in the dress circle and balcony. Wheelchair-accessible, companion, and transfer seating is on both the orchestra and dress circle levels. There is elevator access to the dress circle, but not the balcony.
Capacity: 1,622 seats
Address: 214 W 43rd St.
Majestic Theatre
The Majestic Theatre houses over 1,600 guests among the two levels, the orchestra and mezzanine. Wheelchair-accessible and companion seats are available in the orchestra, while transfer seats are available in both levels, although the mezzanine is accessible only by stairs and has a steep incline.
Capacity: 1,645 seats
Address: 245 W. 44th St.
Marquis Theatre
The Marquis Theatre is located on the third floor of the Times Square Marriott Marquis Hotel (accessible by elevator and escalator). It has two seating levels, an orchestra and mezzanine. Wheelchair-accessible, companion, and transfer seats are only available in the orchestra.
Capacity: 1,612 seats
Address: 1535 Broadway, with an entrance at 210 W. 46th St.
Minskoff Theatre
Located on the third floor of the One Astor Plaza office tower is the Minskoff Theatre, which has two seating levels across an orchestra and mezzanine. The orchestra is exceptionally large, with rows going all the way back to ZZZ. Elevators and escalators are available for accessing the orchestra and mezzanine, with wheelchair-accessible seats, companion seats, and transfer seats on both levels.
Capacity: 1,710 seats
Address: 200 W. 45th St.
Music Box Theatre
The Music Box Theatre offers two levels of seating, the orchestra and mezzanine, as well as boxes on both sides of the auditorium. Wheelchair-accessible seats are available in the orchestra along with companion seats, while transfer seats are on both levels (although the mezzanine is only accessed via two sets of stairs).
Capacity: 1,009 seats
Address: 239 W. 45th St.
Nederlander Theatre
The Nederlander Theatre has two seating levels, the orchestra and mezzanine, plus a total of four boxes. The orchestra offers wheelchair-accessible seating plus companion seats, while both sections have transfer seats. The mezzanine is only accessible by stairs, one floor up.
Capacity: 1,235 seats
Address: 208 W. 41st St.
Neil Simon Theatre
The Neil Simon Theatre has two levels of seats across the orchestra and mezzanine, plus boxes on either side of the venue. There are wheelchair-accessible seats and companion seats in the orchestra, plus transfer seats in both sections. The mezzanine can only be reached via stairs.
Capacity: 1,467 seats
Address: 250 W. 52nd St.
New Amsterdam Theatre
The New Amsterdam Theatre has three seating levels, an orchestra, mezzanine, and balcony, plus box seats on either side. The venue has wheelchair-accessible seats in the orchestra and mezzanine. The mezzanine and balcony can both be accessed by an elevator, although the accessible seats in the mezzanine are not step-free.
Capacity: 1,747 seats
Address: 214 W. 42nd St.
Palace Theatre
The Palace Theatre offers seats across three levels: the orchestra, mezzanine, and balcony. There are also boxes in the mezzanine and balcony sections. The theatre offers wheelchair seating, aisle transfer seating, and companion seating on all levels, accessible via an elevator.
Capacity: 1,743 seats
Address: 160 W 47th St.
Richard Rodgers Theatre
The Richard Rodgers Theatre offers two seating levels, an orchestra and mezzanine, as well as boxes on either side of the venue. Wheelchair seating, companion seats, aisle transfer seats, and vision/hearing-accessible seating are available only on the orchestra level.
Capacity: 1,400 seats
Address: 226 W. 46th St.
Samuel J. Friedman Theatre
At just 650 seats, the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre is an intimate space with two levels, an orchestra and a small mezzanine. This theatre has an elevator and a motorized lift to provide step-free access to seats, with wheelchair-accessible seating available across both levels. There are also companion and aisle transfer seats.
Capacity: 650 seats
Address: 261 W. 47th St.
Shubert Theatre
The Shubert Theatre offers seating on three levels: the orchestra, mezzanine, and balcony, plus a few boxes. Wheelchair-accessible and companion seating is available in the orchestra, while transfer seats are available in all sections. However, the mezzanine and balcony are both only accessible via several flights of stairs.
Capacity: 1,460 seats
Address: 225 W. 44th St.
St. James Theatre
The St. James Theatre is a large Broadway theatre with three levels of seating: orchestra, mezzanine, and balcony. There are wheelchair-accessible seats in the orchestra along with companion seats. Transfer seats are available in all three sections, but the mezzanine and balcony are only accessible by several flights of stairs.
Capacity: 1,709 seats
Address: 246 W. 44th St.
Stephen Sondheim Theatre
The Stephen Sondheim Theatre has two seating levels, the orchestra and mezzanine, plus boxes on either side of the venue. Both levels are accessible via elevator and have wheelchair spaces, along with companion seats and transfer seats.
Capacity: 1,055 seats
Address: 124 W. 43rd St.
Studio 54
Studio 54, once a famous nightclub, now puts on Broadway performances. It has two seating levels, an orchestra and mezzanine, and an elevator serves the lower lounge area. Wheelchair-accessible seats are available in the orchestra along with companion seats, and transfer seating is on both levels.
Capacity: 1,006 seats
Address: 254 W. 54th St.
Todd Haimes Theatre
The Todd Haimes Theatre is fully accessible with elevator access to the orchestra and mezzanine. Wheelchair, companion, and aisle seating is available.
Capacity: 740 seats
Address: 227 W. 42nd St.
Vivian Beaumont Theater
Located inside the Lincoln Center Theater building, the Vivian Beaumont Theater has two seating levels, the orchestra and a small loge (mezzanine) section. The orchestra is accessible from street level by a manned elevator, and there are wheelchair spaces and companion seats on this lower level.
Capacity: 1,080 seats
Address: 150 W. 65th St.
Walter Kerr Theatre
The Walter Kerr Theatre offers three seating levels, an orchestra, mezzanine, and small balcony, along with boxes on either side of the auditorium. Accessible seating is only available in the orchestra, which includes wheelchair spaces, companion seats, and transfer seats.
Capacity: 945 seats
Address: 219 W. 48th St.
Winter Garden Theatre
The Winter Garden Theatre offers two seating levels, an orchestra and mezzanine. The orchestra has wheelchair spaces as well as companion seating, and transfer seats are available in the orchestra and mezzanine. There are no elevators.
Capacity: 1,526 seats
Address: 1634 Broadway
