An Overview On Auditorium Seating

This article mainly discusses about auditorium seating as well as topics related to it.

What is an auditorium?

An auditorium maybe defined as a room that is built to ensure an audience to be able to hear properly as they watch different performances at places just like the theatres. In case of theatres meant for movies, the number of auditoriums maybe referred to as the number of screens.

How is the seating in an auditorium arranged?

An auditorium seating is usually divided into different areas. The price that is charged in case of each seat in different parts of the auditorium normally varies on the basis of the quality of the stage view that is available from different seats. The seating in auditorium may consist of some as well as all the following arrangements:

The Stalls or the arena: This includes the lower flat area, which is usually present below, or often at the similar level as that of the stage.

The Balconies or the galleries: This type of sitting arrangement consists of either one or more seating platforms that are raised and are usually present towards the back part of the auditorium. In some large theatres, there are multiple levels, stacked vertically either above or behind the stalls. The first level maybe referred to as ‘the dress circle’ or at times ‘the grand circle’. The platform that is the highest, or the upper circle, may sometimes be referred to as the gods, mainly in bigger opera houses. In these places, the seats are often very high and situated at a very long distance from that of the stage.

The Boxes: These are usually found to be placed immediately at the front, the side as well as above the level of the stage. In some places, these are separate rooms having an open area meant for a clear view which can usually seat a handful of people and not more. These types of seats are mainly considered to be the most prestigious in the entire house. A royal box or a state box may sometimes be provided to seat dignitaries.

The auditorium seating is mainly arranged in a semi circular shape, usually consisting of eleven rows of seats that remain divided by ‘belts’.

The seating layout of an auditorium

The auditorium seating is usually very carefully planned out, keeping in mind, a number of things. In an auditorium, the entrances are located at the end of the seating area, as well as along the sides and back of the hall. This type of seating ensures minimum disruptions that maybe caused by latecomers as well as those who wish to leave the place. The chairs are placed next to one another in rows, without any table present front of them. In most standard function room or ballrooms, the width of the chairs is usually 19.5 inches to 20 inches. A minimum space of about 2 ft. is left between each chair and also a space of 3 ft. is left between two different rows of chairs.