Broadway Theater Seating Plan Guide

New World Stages Stage 5 Seating Chart

Orchestra

The Orchestra section is the closest to a Broadway theater's stage. It includes front-row seats, offering the most immersive experience. This section is usually the most accessible for patrons with disabilities or specific mobility needs and is thus generally on the ground level or the lowest level of the theater's auditorium. The Orchestra seats are more often than not more expensive, owing to such factors, though seats towards the ends of each row along the aisles are often cheaper. The premium front-row seats are best if you want to feel like you're part of the action, but for some larger theaters, you might find yourself craning your neck ever so slightly for certain performances. For the best experience from the Orchestra, try booking seats closer to the Center of the section, three to four rows behind Row A.

Mezzanine

The Mezzanine section is an elevated, raked section behind the Orchestra. It is usually not present in smaller theaters. The section is particularly sought after for its wider view of the stage, as it offers a comprehensive and clear sightline of the entire performance and set design. The front row seats offer extra comfort with more legroom while seats close to the middle of the section have the best views. The Mezzanine also offers the perfect balance between affordability and an incredible experience.

Balcony

The Balcony is a smaller elevated and raked section above the Mezzanine in larger theaters or behind the Orchestra in smaller ones. Their distance from the stage can sometimes lead to obstructed views, which is why this section usually has the most affordable seats. This does not mean you're in for a bad experience, however, as the Balcony's vantage point can sometimes offer the best views of the stage, depending on the theater's layout and the performance being staged. Shows with a larger ensemble cast and extensive set designs, for instance, are made for Balcony viewing. For a more comfortable viewing experience, you could also opt for a private Box seat along the sides of the theater at this level, at a slightly higher cost. These seats, however, might have some sightline restrictions due to their angled placement.

Views 

Across Broadway theaters, you'll usually find the best seats in the Orchestra for most shows. The first four to five rows offer the most premium and immersive experience, though you might find yourself straining your neck now and then, while the next few rows just behind these offer a more rounded experience while still being immersive. Seats in the first elevated section behind the Orchestra also offer decent views at more affordable rates.

Prices

The most affordable seats are usually in the rear-most section of a theater. In most Broadway venues, this would be the Balcony. For the most part, this is because it is further back and does not have as clear a view of the stage. But it can still offer pretty decent views, especially from the front rows and closer to the middle of the section. If you're on a budget, this section is your best friend.

Availability 

You can buy tickets directly at the theater booths, particularly if you're looking for some good last-minute deals, but given the number of people who watch shows in the district every day, you might wind up without a ticket to your show. Online ticket sellers and apps, like Headout, are a safer bet and offer last-minute deals now and then. The affordable and limited seats in elevated sections, including Boxes, sell out faster, so it's best to book these in advance.

Legroom

Older theaters tend to have lesser legroom, but many Broadway venues have been refurbished in recent times and the comfort of patrons was factored into the newer designs. This translated to better accessibility overall, with spacious aisles and better legroom in front-row seats of each section. We'd also recommend catching a weekday matinee show if you're after a more spacious, comfortable experience since these shows tend to be less crowded.

Nature of Show - Play/Musical 

Plays, especially ones featuring a limited or smaller cast, are intimate experiences best viewed up close. You'll want to be in the Orchestra for them. Musicals, however, are more often than not larger productions with big casts and complex sets, props, and costumes, and the Mezzanine or Balcony is a better choice so you get a clear view of the whole stage.

With Kids/Without Kids

While children might want the immersion of the Orchestra for a magical experience, their view might be obstructed by whoever sits in the seat in front. The raked sections work better for this purpose since nothing will block your view no matter where you sit.