What are the seats in the theater auditorium called? What is the dress circle in a theater and where is it located? The highest seats in the theater

To each cultured person It doesn’t hurt to know the names of the seats in the theater, especially if he periodically attends theatrical performances. But not everyone can boast of such knowledge. Below we will analyze in detail all the places and how they differ from each other.

Hall layout

If you are one of the people who do not quite understand the names of seats in the theater, then the diagram of the hall will definitely help you clarify some points.
There are not many types of seats in the hall, these include:

• Parterre ("on the ground"). These places are located near the center. After the emergence of theaters, the stalls had mostly standing places, but now there are none left, and any stalls are equipped big amount seating.
• Balcony. The seats are located above the amphitheater on different levels. As before, these places are valued because... opens from them good review scenes.
• Lodge. Located, like the balcony, on the upper tiers, located opposite the stage. The view is also very good, but ticket prices are higher.
• Gallery. Located on the balcony on the top tier. It does not have the most convenient location, and ticket prices are usually lower.
• Benoir. The boxes are located at stage level, on the sides of the stalls. Previously, spectators sitting in the benoir remained invisible to the rest of the people in the theater.
• Mezzanine. They are located above the benoir and amphitheater. These places are considered the most convenient, but their prices are very high, so not everyone can afford to buy a ticket there.
• Amphitheater. Located above the ground floor on both sides. The seats are arranged in tiers, making them more comfortable.

The theater seating diagram is presented below.

Choosing a seat in the theater

A diagram of the theater hall will help you choose a good place.

If you are planning to visit the theater and enjoy what is happening on stage, then you should take a responsible approach to choosing a place. In order to fully see the entire theatrical performance, and not look at what is happening on stage through the people sitting in front, and to get maximum pleasure from visiting the theater, we recommend choosing a seat on the balcony, dress circle or in the middle rows of the stalls opposite the stage. The listed places will not only have an excellent view of the stage, but also good acoustics.

The layout of the hall is quite simple and it won’t be too difficult to remember it, but it may come in handy in the future.

I foresee fair questions. Why exactly to Bolshoi and what does “convenient” mean? The answers to these questions lie on the surface.
Comfortable seats are those seats from which the viewing angle of the stage will be as complete as possible. At the same time, in order to comfortably watch the performance from such places, the viewer should not need to use additional optical means (binoculars).

And the Bolshoi Theater, because having become familiar with the features of its architecture, a potential viewer in any city and in any theater can easily make right choice when purchasing a ticket.
To begin with, we will need to conduct a small educational program on the basic concepts in theatrical architecture. If the reader has already known all this for a long time, this section can be skipped.
So, parterre (fr) - the word is formed from two words par - by and terre - land. In total we get on the ground. In practice, these are rows of spectator seats facing the stage. Seats in the stalls, starting from the orchestra pit or from the stage, go all the way to the amphitheater.
Amphitheater - rows of seats arranged in a semicircle with constantly rising ledges and located directly behind the stalls.
Benoir boxes are balconies located just below or at stage level, on the right and left sides of it. (in the photograph one of these boxes can be seen at the ground level, in the lower left corner)

We rise higher to the mezzanine. Belle - in French, as well as in some other European languages ​​- beautiful, wonderful. (photo taken from the mezzanine)

Tier - one of the middle or upper floors in auditorium(everything above the mezzanine)
The balcony is an amphitheater of seats on various tiers.
A box is a group of seats in the auditorium (around the stalls and on tiers), separated by partitions or barriers.
The gallery is the highest tier of the auditorium.
So, we have become acquainted with some concepts of theatrical architecture and we can begin to search for the best seats for spectators. Let's start in order, from the ground.

Here, it would seem, everything is clear - the stalls are the best and most expensive places. But you shouldn't make hasty conclusions. On one of the sites I came across a post from a viewer who visited Mikhailovsky Theater. It reports that having bought tickets for the back rows of the stalls, people had to stand for the entire performance to see anything. In fact, sitting in the stalls, the most full view to the stage. But the further away our seats are, the more difficult it is for us to see the actors, but the backs of the spectators’ heads are very clearly visible from more expensive tickets. In some theaters this problem is solved already at the construction stage.

The stalls are built at a slight angle, which increases as you approach the back rows.
The amphitheater would be fine, but it’s too far away. The only consolation is that they will give you a coat in the wardrobe for binoculars without waiting in line.
The mezzanine and the boxes of the benoir are quite comfortable places. But even here it is necessary Be careful. It is clear that when looking at the scene from the box, located in the center relative to the stage, the viewer’s gaze cannot fully capture everything that is happening on stage. As a rule, spectators sitting on balconies right side very visible left-hand side scenes, but the right one is poorly visible and vice versa. At the same time, in some theaters, in addition, the back of the stage is poorly visible. It should also be noted that, as a rule, the seats in all theater boxes are arranged in two or three rows. Accordingly, the viewing angle of the stage in the first row is slightly greater than in the third. In 2011 in Bolshoi Theater An unpleasant incident occurred on the new stage. Spectators who bought tickets for the outer seats in the dress circle were dissatisfied with the fact that they saw almost nothing from their seats. Having received a refusal to return the money, they sued the theater.
Tier - there are four of them at the Bolshoi Theater! Of course you shouldn't buy tickets to the fourth tier if you have a fear of heights. When you come face to face with the muses, you may feel a little dizzy. Needless to say, as prices rise higher and higher from tier to tier, they fall lower and lower?
Now about the main thing, about buying tickets. Their price ranges from one and a half to forty or more thousand. What does it depend on? Firstly, of course, from the performance. A lot is important here. For example, spectators go to ballet more willingly than to opera. Many go "by name". Premiere performances always cost more. Secondly, of course, it depends on the location of the places. To help the public choose the right ticket, many theater box offices have charts indicating “convenient” and “inconvenient” seats. Thirdly, from where, from whom and how long before the performance you purchase tickets.

The Bolshoi Theater begins pre-sale of tickets for all performances three months before their start. In order to order them, you must send a request to the following address: [email protected], which must be sent no later than the day preceding the day on which the pre-sale of tickets for the selected performance opens, but not earlier than fifteen days before the start of the pre-sale. The pre-sale schedule can be found here http://www.bolshoi.ru/visit/. The application must contain:
- Last name.
- Passport ID.
- The name of the performance.
— The date and time when the performance will be shown.
— Number of seats, no more than TWO.
An accepted application must receive a response by e-mail, confirming that the APPLICATION IS ACCEPTED (the application is not ordered reservation) and is processed by the cashier in the presence of the applicant. When purchasing a ticket upon application, you must indicate the date and time of the performance, your last name and present your passport to the cashier. (The passport number and last name indicated in the application will be indicated on the ticket.) Advance ticket sales are from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. From 16:00, the remaining tickets from the pre-sale go on free sale (theater box office, Internet, city theater box office and agencies). When visiting the theater you will need to present your passport.
In the theatre there is a program “Bolshoi for students”, according to which
Full-time students of universities can purchase tickets worth one hundred rubles for theater performances. The sale of such tickets opens at 17.30 at the second ticket office located in the directorate building. Sale and entrance to the theater - upon presentation of a student card. For performances on the Main (historical) stage, sixty tickets are allocated for students; for performances shown on New scene,—thirty tickets each.
Beneficiaries, upon presentation of documents confirming their benefits, can also purchase tickets worth one hundred rubles.
One hundred and sixty-one tickets are allocated for performances taking place on the New Stage, and five hundred and eighteen tickets for the Main Stage.

But that's not all! Now, in order to visit the Bolshoi Theater, which opened after reconstruction, it is not necessary to buy a ticket to the performance!!!
At twelve o'clock in the afternoon there are one-hour tours of the theater (Monday, Wednesday and Friday). Tickets are sold at the box office located in historical building theater (entrance twelve) on the day of the excursion. The ticket price is five hundred rubles. For schoolchildren, full-time students and beneficiaries, the price is two hundred and fifty rubles. No more than fifteen tickets are sold for the excursion.
An application for a group visit can be made by email.
[email protected]

The article uses information from the official website of the Bolshoi Theater

THEATER PARTERRE(French parterre, from par - by and terre - earth), the lower floor of the auditorium with seats for the public in the space from the stage or from the orchestra pit to the opposite wall or to the amphitheater. As a rule, the level of the stalls is 1–1.1 m below the stage plank, and the same amount above the floor of the orchestra pit.

The prototype, an early form of the stalls, was the bench for senators in the ancient Roman theater.

In the modern sense of the word, stalls appeared in the theater at the beginning of the 17th century, along with the emergence of a fundamentally new, so-called. “ranked” or “tiered” type of theater building. The historical transformation of the parterre arrangement reflected the development of social trends and relationships.

During the Middle Ages, the theater experienced a time of persecution, and, accordingly, no new theater buildings were built. At that time, only church performances were allowed. IN early period(9th–12th centuries) liturgical drama was played inside churches; later (12th–13th centuries), to increase the number of spectators, it was moved to the porch. The audience was positioned along an extremely long stage area. Performances of mysteries and morality plays (14th–16th centuries), due to the ever-increasing number of spectators, were carried out in blocked-off squares and streets. A booth-type stage was erected; wealthier citizens had the opportunity to watch performances from the balconies and windows of surrounding houses, the lower classes were located on the ground.

The art of constructing theater buildings experienced its rebirth during the early Renaissance in Italy. When developing projects for the first high-ranking theaters, the places in front of the stage - that is, the stalls - were traditionally intended for the lower class. Therefore, the stalls did not have seating; spectators here watched the performances while standing.

For the first time, seats in the stalls appeared in closed private aristocratic theaters in England (early 17th century), - in contrast to public English theaters of that time, where the audience traditionally stood in the stalls. However, here the stalls for noble visitors were not stationary; stools were placed in the stalls as needed.

The first stationary seats in the stalls were designed by the architect C. Ledoux during the construction of the theater in Besançon (completion of construction 1784). This innovation was to a certain extent inspired by democratic ideas French Revolution. The idea of ​​equality manifested itself in in this case is that spectators watching the performance “from below” should be provided with the same amenities as spectators seated in boxes.

In a modern stall, seats for spectators are placed parallel to the ramp or barrier of the orchestra and are separated by longitudinal and transverse passages leading to exits from the hall. For better visibility, the floor level of the auditorium usually rises from the front rows of the stalls to the back. The most “advantageous” seats for spectators, in terms of acoustics, maximum visibility and integrity of perception of the visual image of the performance, are considered to be the central seats of the seventh row of the stalls.

Tatiana Shabalina

Dear friends! You, of course, know that to work productively you need to be able to rest. Visiting the theater has long been considered one of the pleasant and cultural ways to relax. But behind the very first doors, in the lobby, we find ourselves in the world full of secrets and riddles. In the literal sense of the word. We are overwhelmed by a stream of unfamiliar and often incomprehensible words: foyer, administrator, stalls, mezzanine... What to do? Where can I find the administrator? Where is it better to take a ticket: to the stalls or the mezzanine? Where can I find the lobby? Let's try to figure it out.

Start over. What is theater?

Theater(Greek Θέατρον - main meaning - a place for spectacles, then - spectacle, from θεάομαι - I look, I see) - a form of performing art.

Theater is a synthesis of all arts, it includes music, architecture, painting, cinema, photography, etc. The main means of expression is the actor, who, through action, using different theatrical techniques and forms of existence, conveys to the viewer the essence of what is happening on stage.

In this case, the actor does not have to be a living person. This could be a doll or some object controlled by a person. Theater is considered the most powerful means of influencing people, because, seeing what is happening on stage, the viewer associates himself with one or another character. Through catharsis (purification through suffering), changes occur within him. The main theater workers: directors, actors, make-up artists, cloakroom attendants, lighting technicians, ticket takers, choreographers, artists, stage workers. But more about them a little later.

Having opened the first entrance doors, we find ourselves in the lobby.

Lobby, -i, m. A large room separating the entrance from the internal parts of the building, mainly. public In many theaters, the ticket office and the administrator's window are located in the lobby.

IN box office You can purchase a ticket for the current performance or for future theater performances. If the performance is cancelled, you can return your ticket here or find out when the canceled performance will be given. The administrator window is also located there.

Administrator- a member of the theater team, responsible for the organizational side and daily work of cashiers, ticket takers and other theater personnel, often also for providing free or discount tickets on and during a specific performance; responsible for compliance with safety rules and regulations while spectators are in the theater. Having passed through the second doors, you find yourself in the theater foyer.

Foyer, uncl., cf. A room in a theater (cinema, circus) for the audience to stay before the start of a performance, show, performance, as well as for the public to relax during intermission. From the ground floor foyer you can access the cloakroom.

Wardrobe– a room or specially designated space in the entrance lobby where spectators can leave outerwear, hats, umbrellas (etc.) for storage during the performance. If the theater building contains several floors, then the foyer will be present on each of them.

And now you enter the hall. In front of you is a stage and rows of chairs that “diverge” from it in rows and tiers. How to figure out where to go? On the one hand, the hall administrators will always help you. On the other hand, here are our tips: the rows of seats that are located closest to the stage are called the stalls, followed by the amphitheater, around them and slightly above are the boxes and mezzanine, above them there is a balcony in tiers.

Parterre(French arterre - on the ground) - the lower floor of the auditorium in a theater with seats for the public in the space from the stage or from the orchestra to the opposite wall or to the amphitheater. The ancestor of the stalls was the bench for senators in theaters Ancient Rome. In the 17th century, after the appearance of the tiered theater building, the stalls also changed, taking on more modern look. The stalls were intended for the lower class, so for a long time there were no seats - the audience on the stalls had to watch the performance while standing. Seating in the stalls appeared in early XVII century in private indoor theaters in England. Then the seats were arranged as needed. Nowadays, seats are most often arranged in rows that rise from the stage to the amphitheater and are parallel to the edge of the stage. The seats are separated by passages to exit the stalls.

Amphitheater– these are seats for spectators behind the stalls, located in a towering semicircle.

Lodge- This is a separate room in the auditorium, in the form of a small internal balcony, intended for several spectators. The boxes, as a rule, are located on the sides and behind the stalls, on tiers, as well as on the sides of the proscenium or adjacent to the orchestra pit (such boxes are called “benouir”). Characterized by insufficient visibility of the stage; sometimes used for lighting equipment.

Mezzanine– seats in the auditorium, usually located in a semicircle or along a curved line, behind and above the stalls and amphitheater. Sometimes considered as the balcony of the first tier of the theater.

Balcony– these are seats for spectators, located above the stalls, in various tiers of the auditorium. Note: often in English-language literature the word “balcony” means a balcony of the first tier. You took your seat and froze in anticipation of the performance...

Definitions of the terms presented are taken from the sites:

Choose the best seats for the concert, theatrical production, a musical or an opera without knowing the hall in advance is not so easy, since the halls can vary quite a lot. But several general rules It is still possible to formulate. First you need to imagine the layout of the hall. The hall has several zones that are clearly separated from each other. Maximum amount There are five zones in the largest theater: stalls, amphitheater, mezzanine, balcony and box.

The area of ​​the auditorium closest to the stage is usually below its level. It is generally believed that tickets in the first row of the stalls are the most expensive and the most good places. But this is not always the case, since the most expensive seats are in the box. And the position below the stage is not always convenient, especially if the orchestra pit and the stage are separated. Especially if it's a concert classical music where there is no need to observe what is happening in detail. But one-man performances and monologue performances are more convenient to watch from the stalls and the closer, the better in order to become an accomplice in the theatrical action.

The spectator area is behind the stalls, separated from it by a passage. It can be located slightly above the ground and rise with ledges. Literally translated, an amphitheater is around a theater. Due to the fact that it is located at stage level and above, the viewer has excellent visibility and audibility, and, perhaps, it is universal in comfort, especially in the first rows. Ballet and performances with a large number characters It's best to look away from the stage so you can see all the action at once.

Literally translated from French - a beautiful floor. In architecture, the second floor after the ground floor, on which the front, largest and beautiful rooms. And this floor was truly decorated the best, it was the most beautiful. The mezzanine in a theater is a tier above the stalls, usually above the amphitheater.

Tier above the mezzanine. As a rule, seats on the balcony and mezzanine are located at a sufficient distance from the stage, so they are more suitable for listening to operas, operettas and musicals (due to their elevation).

Separate parts of the hall located on the sides of the stalls, behind it and on the tiers (at the mezzanine level). This is an individual room for several people with a separate entrance. Some even have a small hallway, an antechamber. Traditionally, the most expensive and most comfortable seats in the hall. They have the opportunity to be invisible to other viewers, and, on the contrary, to attract increased attention. They differ in tiers, the first, most prestigious tier, located at the level (or slightly above) of the stalls are called benoir boxes (after the name of this lower tier lie). The lodges located above do not have a special name.

We are accustomed to referring to the classic statement, which says: “The theater begins with a hanger,” although many believe that the most important thing in the temple of Melpomene is the auditorium. After all, the location of the seats plays a role key role is whether he will receive special person aesthetic pleasure from watching the performance, or he will never be able to really see or hear anything. Therefore, in order to avoid incidents, spoiled mood and disappointments, before purchasing tickets, you need to clearly determine where the best seats 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 just need to take into account a few factors that can simplify the task. We'll talk more about this later.

The people constantly demand spectacles, emotions and celebration. At all times, it was the theater that gave him such an opportunity. After all, here you can enjoy the acting, admire the action that unfolds on the stage, and mentally immerse yourself in a world where reality is intertwined with fiction. But being a spectator was not always as comfortable as it is today. This was not given much importance, and the main factor was the event itself. Fans of the street arenas of the Middle Ages could watch what was happening only by standing in front of the stage (in the stalls) or from the height of their balcony.

These same names found application with the advent of dramatic halls with a roof and walls, and others were added to them - amphitheater, mezzanine, boxes. Comfort has become a priority, so for modern art connoisseurs, the question of which seats are the best in the theater remains the main one when planning next exit into the world Let's try to understand this interesting question.

Useful tips for theater fans: choosing the best seats

If you are a beginner and are not familiar with the features and layout of auditoriums, without which it is impossible to find the best seats in the theater, do not be discouraged - this obstacle is easily removable. First, take into account that all arenas in the world have certain similarities. Russia is no exception, where buildings were erected according to approximately the same plan, differing only 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. Secondly, what type of performance do you prefer (musical, drama, ballet, opera, concert). And third - your personal characteristics, state of vision and hearing.

Simply put, you can secure the best seats in the theater by establishing the advantage of a particular visual area to view a specific production, taking into account your own individuality. Based on this, we offer you some practical advice.

Emphasis on the location of spectator 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 seating areas are clearly separated, their number, if the theater is large, reaches five:

Each of them has its own advantages and specifics, which we will now consider, and then draw a conclusion about where the best seats are in the theater.

Parterre is the area located directly in front of the stage, fairly close to it, but at a lower level. Many are convinced that the first rows are the most prestigious and have the most good location. But this is not entirely true, since, being below the stage, it is inconvenient to observe what is happening, especially when there is a orchestra pit. But if you want to feel like a participant in the performance, the stalls in this regard will be the ideal place.

Amphitheater (literally translated “around the theater”) is an area located behind the stalls and separated from it by a passage. It can be raised slightly to stage level for excellent visibility and sound. Therefore, in terms of comfort, the amphitheater is universal. It is suitable for both ballet connoisseurs and supporters of large-scale performances in terms of the number of characters.

The mezzanine (translated as “beautiful floor”) is the tier located above the amphitheater, well suited for fans of musicals, opera or operetta, as excellent audibility is guaranteed here. But in order to get a good look at the dramatic production, you will have to get binoculars.

Binoculars will also come in handy when purchasing tickets for the balcony, which occupies a position above the mezzanine.

Best places in the theater, without a doubt, these are boxes, which are fenced-off rooms rising on both sides of the stalls and designed for several people. A performance of any kind will look wonderful here, but you will have to spend a lot of money on purchasing a ticket. Not to mention the benoir box - the general (royal) box, located on the tier directly in front of the stage with best review And increased level security. Everything here is designed for important, honored guests.

There is also such a thing as a gallery, or raek, - this is the place most distant from the main action. It is located on the top tier and is suitable for the public who do not expect special comfort and want to save a little money.

Deciding on the type of presentation

In addition to highlighting the advantages of each viewing area, it will be much easier to understand which seats are the best in the theater after the choice of the type of dramatic art has been made.

If you like opera, then there is no need to chase expensive tickets. Even if you are located in the middle of the second or third tiers, you will not miss anything. For ballet, the center is mainly important, otherwise the picture as a whole will not be perceived. So the middle of the balcony is a good idea.

In the Philharmonic, the front rows are very noisy, which can even negatively affect your hearing. Therefore tickets for symphony concerts take to seats located away from the stage.

In the dramatic arena, don’t aim for the front row either. So, the middle of the stalls, the amphitheater in this case will be the optimal solution.

We take into account the peculiarities of our perception

If you don’t want to leave the Temple of Melpomene without the expected impressions, then when choosing seats and purchasing tickets, think about your individual characteristics. If you, for example, have certain hearing problems, then the performance will not be received well from the gallery. It will only get worse if, with farsightedness, you sit 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 a visit to the Mariinsky Theater

Are you interested in Mariinskii Opera House? There is no need to choose the best places in terms of audibility; the sound there is good everywhere. But if you want to look at the artists in detail, then benoir is exactly what you need. After all, in the stalls, sitting in the front rows, you will have to throw your head high, and in the distant seats, located at a considerable distance, the effect of the performance will not please you. In terms of the combination of price and comfort, the best seats in the Mariinsky Theater, in addition to the royal box, are on the first and second tier in the center. True, an additional optical aid will not be superfluous.

Are you dreaming of a visit to the Bolshoi Theater? Then be prepared for high ticket prices and limited comfort. Even on elevated tiers, problems may arise: you will have to stand to watch the performance, otherwise the events on stage will not be visible. According to many, the best seats in the Bolshoi Theater, without taking into account the “biters”; in price - this is the middle of the ground. The view is excellent, and other people's heads are not in the way.

A good theatergoer knows what performances to watch, an excellent theatergoer knows from what point any performance will seem brilliant. We suggest you figure out which seats to choose when buying a theater ticket.

Modern acting often involves an unexpected arrangement of spectators and actors in space. However, most metropolitan venues prefer the traditional hall layout, where it is quite easy to choose the right place, following simple rules.

The most important thing for any performance, be it a classical opera, a Chekhov comedy or a plastic performance, is for the viewer to feel comfortable, to be able to see and hear everything. In each theater, the layout of the hall is divided into several zones. In the largest hall their number can reach five. This includes the stalls, amphitheater, mezzanine, balcony and box.

Diagram of the Bolshoi Theater hall

Parterre

The lower floor of the auditorium is located closest to the stage. When choosing seats in the stalls, you should pay attention that seats in the first row will cost more, but not all theaters will have a better view. In most cases, the audience has to watch the entire action with their heads up. In addition, extraneous backstage noise can be clearly heard from the first row.

If you go to classical production, for example, for ballet, give preference to the so-called “director's” - the eighth row. From here you will see great picture, enclosed in a frame, which is usually called the stage portal. However, please note that each theater has a "sound pit" located approximately between the fifth and tenth rows. Here the sound flies over the viewer.

Photo from the coronatours website. Parterre La Scala

Amphitheater

The area located immediately behind the stalls is called the amphitheater, and as a rule rises above the stalls with small ledges. In fact, the first rows of the amphitheater can be considered the most comfortable. Here the viewer gets an excellent overview, audibility and the opportunity to simultaneously see all the action.

Photo from Belcanto website. Opera Garnier in Paris

Mezzanine and balcony

The mezzanine is located one tier above the stalls and the amphitheater. A balcony is everything that is located on the tiers above the mezzanine. From the first rows there is an excellent view of the stage, but you won’t be able to see the stage in detail. However, these places are ideal for listening to operas, operettas and musicals.

Photo from the website nrfmir. Hall of the Mariinsky Theater

Lodge

Separate parts of the hall, which are located on tiers on the sides of the stalls, are called boxes. They are an individual room for several people with a separate entrance. Traditionally, representatives high society They were here, not only to watch the performance, but also to show themselves. Until now, these places remain the most expensive and most inconvenient, since the stage is not completely visible, and for the most part you have to watch the performance half-turned.

Photo from mosmonitor website. Bolshoi Theater boxes

Blackbox

IN modern theaters more common new scheme hall - “blackbox” or transforming hall. The director, based on his idea, can arrange the chairs in any way he likes. Often the first row is on the same level as the actors and the viewer finds himself in the space of the performance. In order not to lose visibility, take tickets in the center of the hall, for the good old “director’s” row.

Photo from the meyerhold website. Blackbox at CIM