The ancestor of the stalls was the bench for senators in the theaters of 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 stalls spectators had to watch the performance while standing. Seating in the stalls appeared at the beginning of the 17th century in private indoor theaters in England. Then the seats were arranged as needed. Stationary rows were first designed by the architect Claude Ledoux for the theater in Besançon.
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.
see also
Sources
Literature
- Lukomsky G. Ancient theaters and traditions in the history of the evolution of theater buildings. St. Petersburg, 1913
- Barkhin G. Theater architecture. M.: “Architecture”, 1947
- Vinogradov V. Theater buildings yesterday, today, tomorrow. M., 1971
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See what “Parterre (theater)” is in other dictionaries: Parterre (theater) - Parterre (French parterre, from par by and terre land) in a theater building, cinema, concert hall
, the plane of the auditorium floor (usually rising from the stage to the back rows) with seating for spectators. In the ancient Roman theater P. central... ... Parterre
- (French parterre on the ground): Parterre (wrestling) wrestling in a prone position, sitting or kneeling. Parterre (park) is an open part of a garden or park (in a regular park, areas of regular shape, in a landscape park in the form of lawns) with ... ... Wikipedia PARTER - (French). 1) part of the theater hall below stage level, with seats for spectators, also the spectators. 2) the ground floor of the house. 3) part of the garden planted with flowers. Dictionary foreign words , included in the Russian language. Chudinov A.N., 1910. PARTER bottom... ...
Dictionary of foreign words of the Russian language - (from the Greek thеatron place for spectacles, spectacle), a type of architectural building intended for. The first theater buildings appeared presumably in the 6th century. BC e. V Ancient Greece. They were open and... Art encyclopedia
THEATER- THEATER, theater, husband. (Greek theatron). 1. units only Art that consists of depicting, representing something in persons, performed in the form of a public spectacle. Music and theater are his strongest hobbies. Soviet era big time... Dictionary Ushakova
- (French parterre on the ground): Parterre (wrestling) wrestling in a prone position, sitting or kneeling. Parterre (park) is an open part of a garden or park (in a regular park, areas of regular shape, in a landscape park in the form of lawns) with ... ... Wikipedia- [te], parterre, pl. no, husband (French parterre, lit. on earth) (theatre). 1. The lower floor of the auditorium with seats for the public in the space from the stage or from the orchestra to the opposite wall or to the amphitheater. Place in the stalls. In the fifth row... ... Ushakov's Explanatory Dictionary
Sekretarev Theater- (also Sekretarevsky Theater, "Secretaryovka" Moscow theater Hall in the 19th century in a building at the modern address Nizhny Kislovsky Lane, No. 6. History The building was built in 1860 and initially belonged to a family of hereditary high-ranking... ... Wikipedia
Great Soviet Encyclopedia
I Theater (from the Greek théatron a place for spectacle; spectacle) a type of art (See Art). Like other arts, T. is a form of social consciousness, it is inseparable from the life of the people, its national history and culture. The rise or decline of T., development... ... Great Soviet Encyclopedia
It seems that the theater as an entertainment institution has not changed at all since the last century. Even the theater premises, which are a century and a half old, are used as before. Yes, the stage (except for the revolving circle), auditorium, and foyer remain... ... Encyclopedia of Russian life of the 19th century
It is believed that theater begins with a hanger. But this aphorism is far from the truth. In fact, theater begins with the purchase of tickets. Which seat in the auditorium should you choose to fully enjoy an opera, ballet or performance? Price is not always a criterion for quality. For example, the first seats in the stalls are always expensive, but the viewer sitting there hears not the voices of the actors, but the sounds from the orchestra pit; Throughout the performance he must sit with his head raised, and what is happening prevents him from seeing the back of the conductor’s head. Before buying tickets, it doesn’t hurt to figure out what a mezzanine in a theater is, a benoir, stalls, an amphitheater, a box, a balcony and a gallery. Our article will introduce you to the intricacies of the structure of the auditorium.
What does the theater look like?
Of course, the temples of Melpomene are different. There are small ones, the auditorium of which consists only of the stalls and the first tier. There are theaters with special features, for example, with a “royal box”, the decorative stucco of which blocks the view of the audience from below. There are halls without stalls, where each row is higher than the previous one (the so-called amphitheater). But here we will give a diagram classical theater. So, right in front of the stage, just below it, is the stalls. Immediately behind it is the amphitheater. On both sides of the stage, at its level or slightly above, there are two boxes called benoir. The name comes from the French baignoire - bathhouse. The fact is that these boxes are covered with a fine mesh, which determines a certain intimacy. It prevents the spectators sitting there from seeing, but in no way interferes with the latter's view.
On the same level as the stalls along the wall there are boxes with a separate entrance. Where is the mezzanine in the theater? It is located above the stalls. And even over the amphitheater. In some buildings there is a “royal” box on the same level. Above the mezzanine are the first, second and third tiers. The topmost of them is called a gallery or raek.
This word itself comes from architecture. In rich houses, the second floor, located above the ground floor, was decorated more than others. The first tier usually housed the kitchen and utility and functional premises. On the third - bedrooms, offices, boudoirs. On the fourth floor, if there was one, there were servants' rooms. But the second tier was the front tier. There were ballrooms, living rooms, and reception rooms. Sometimes it led straight to the mezzanine main staircase. The term bel étage, as we see, consists of two words. Its literal translation is “beautiful floor.” This second tier of a rich house was magnificent not only inside, but also outside. It was decorated with large windows, stucco and beautiful trim. What is the mezzanine in a theater? The photos demonstrate that this term in the temple of Melpomene carries the same meaning as in the architecture of the house. This is not just a second tier. The mezzanine, as a rule, is also the most beautiful.
Problems related to location in different parts of the visual range
Even if you know what a mezzanine in a theater is, this is not a guarantee that you will buy best places. The appearance of the auditorium matters here; design of rows (sometimes steep and high sides interfere with visibility); acoustics (sound pits, etc.). Theater regulars have information that sometimes good visibility is accompanied by poor hearing, and vice versa. Therefore, for the ballet you need to purchase some seats (first tier, benoir), and for the opera - completely different ones (dress circle, stalls from the fifth row and beyond, amphitheater, boxes). At symphonic orchestral performances, the sound is well revealed in general on the second tier.
At chamber concerts it is better to sit not far, but not close to the stage, but always in the middle. But the mezzanine counts the best part auditorium. Even if the theater is not famous for its acoustics, the sound carries forward and slightly upward from the stage. So the audience on the most beautiful tier can enjoy the opera without any interference. Visibility there is also excellent, since the second floor allows you to see all the action from above and, unlike the gallery, without the help of binoculars.
What are the best seats in the theater on the dress circle?
As you can see, this “beautiful tier” has an advantage both in terms of visibility of the stage and audibility. But since the floor stretches along the entire back wall of the theater, it's important to know which seats to buy. And this depends on the structure of each specific auditorium. Let's take for example Mariinskii Opera House, Old stage.
Here the mezzanine is divided into boxes. Ticket prices are, to put it mildly, steep. It is best seen and heard from the first row of central boxes. Cells No. 11 and No. 12 offer excellent visibility. And from the second row too. The view is quite noticeably hampered by the decorative decorations of the “royal box”. Also, you should not buy tickets for the mezzanine next to the benoirs. These boxes are equipped with columns that block part of the stage from the audience. There are several “blind spots” in the New Hall of the Mariinsky Theater, but this does not apply to the dress circle. Visibility and audibility there are wonderful.
Mikhailovsky Theater
This cultural temple also has a classical auditorium. There are all the elements: stalls, mezzanine, benoir and three tiers with boxes. Music lovers here also claim that sound and visibility in Mikhailovsky are in conflict. In addition, here there is the notorious “royal box”. The hall in the Mikhailovsky Theater is small. Therefore, the roundness of the tiers at a large angle leads to poor visibility in the lateral places. Knowing what the mezzanine is in a theater, you also need to understand that ideal viewing of the action and enjoyment of sounds without extraneous interference is achievable only in places in the center (directly opposite the stage).
State Variety Theater
Despite all the interesting performances on this stage, the audience unanimously criticizes the layout of the auditorium. Many people know that the best places are located on the “beautiful tier”. That's why they buy tickets to the mezzanine of the Variety Theater. How can you see the stage from there? If you sit in the center, it's still bearable. But the sound arrives with distortion. To the left and right of the center the mezzanine is completely unsuitable for theatrical productions.
According to spectators, it is convenient to hide there, since there are some columns, sides and other obstacles. As a result, you can only see a small part of the stage, and only from the first row. The sound that comes out is incomprehensible, with interference, a continuous inarticulate hum. Best places in State Theater the stage is the stalls.
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 key role in whether a particular person will benefit from watching the performance, or whether 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.
Comfort was not always valued
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 special significance, 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 their next appearance. Let's try to understand this interesting question.
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 separate viewing area for viewing 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:
- stalls;
- amphitheater;
- mezzanine;
- balconies;
- lodge.
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 the orchestra pit is located in front. 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 characters performances.
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.
The best seats in the theater are the 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 chase expensive tickets not worth it. 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 seats 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 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 the Mariinsky Theater? 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 places in Bolshoi Theater, without taking into account the “biters” in price, is the middle of the ground. The view is excellent, and other people's heads are not in the way.
We make the final decision
Don't pay attention to minor inconveniences, try to focus on the meaning of what is happening on stage, enjoy the magical moment of touching real art, relax and have fun!
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 construction 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 performances while standing.
Seating in the stalls first appeared in closed private aristocratic theaters in England (early 17th century), in contrast to public English theaters of that time, where spectators 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 (completed 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, from the point of view 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
If you often go to the theater, of course, you already know all the intricacies of the location of seats in the auditorium, as well as which tickets are best to buy. But when planning your first viewing of the performance, it’s worth finding out how the seats are arranged so that you can clearly see the stage. Of course, tickets to the front rows are expensive, we will talk about those that represent a compromise between an affordable price and comfortable viewing. Let us dwell in detail on the definition of “mezzanine in the theatre”. What is it and how to choose a convenient place?
How are the spectator seats located?
Let's consider the theater in a general sense, and not any specific building. The seating arrangement is approximately the same, only the size of the auditorium differs. The closest places to the stage are called the stalls. These are the most comfortable places to see what affects their cost - tickets for them are the most expensive. You shouldn’t occupy the first row if there is an orchestra pit in front of the stage, then you won’t be able to see the action at all. Sometimes the chairs are installed on a flat floor, but more often the surface is sloped, so that the heads of those sitting in front do not interfere with the people sitting behind.
Beyond them, on a slight elevation, is an amphitheater located at stage level. In these places the viewer receives the widest and full review, as well as good audibility, especially when watching opera or ballet. This optimal choice in terms of price and panoramic view. Sometimes next to the stage on the sides of the stalls there are special boxes called benoir. They are often covered with a special black mesh so that people sitting inside do not interfere with the actors’ work. They are considered the most prestigious places.
Tiers and mezzanine in the theater
What is it and how are the seats above the stage located? The seating described above is complemented by tiers along the wall above stage level. Sometimes there is only one tier, but in theaters with large halls their number reaches four. The lowest one is called the mezzanine. It's quite comfortable to sit there, but it's better not to take seats close to the stage: you'll have to turn and bend over to follow the developments. It is optimal to sit in the center, right above the amphitheater, in the first row. Tiers located high up will not allow you to see the actors without binoculars, but tickets there are the cheapest. Sometimes these places are called balconies.
Decoration of mezzanines
You may have already chosen the mezzanine area of the theatre. What is it and is the stage clearly visible, you know. Let us give examples of what these tiers look like in some of Melpomene’s houses. The entire hall and stage are decorated in the same style, many carved details are finished in gold and complemented with thick, beautiful fabrics. Sometimes it's nice to go to the theater to see historical beauty. Let's take for example the Mariinsky Theater, the mezzanine of which is located above the benoir. It is illuminated by numerous chandeliers, giving it the appearance of a palace hall, white with gold trim and red seats. How else is the mezzanine decorated? The variety theater uses fabrics for finishing. It seems that the whole hall is glowing with bright, rich colors: carpets, curtains, and chairs - everything comes together in big picture, complemented by white columns and sides supporting the lower tier.
Advantages of purchasing mezzanine tickets
Having bought a ticket to one of these places, the viewer will not be disappointed. The advantages of this arrangement have already been noted: good review scenes, excellent audibility of the actors' voices and orchestral music, let's add more seating comfort. Mezzanines rarely have more than 10 rows of seats, often there are only 6-12 chairs in 2 lines, located in a small niche. But sometimes you can make a mistake with your choice, and then you have to spend the entire time of the performance on your feet in order to at least see something.
Now you will not be tormented by the question: “The mezzanine in the theater - what is it?” When buying tickets for any productions, check the visibility of all seats and their prices, and then choose the appropriate option.