Why is it called a dress circle in theatre?

Dress Circle (UK) / Mezzanine or First Balcony (US) Up a level, we have the Dress Circle (aka the Royal Circle in some theaters - because drama). Traditionally, this is where the posh crowd sat to show off their best frocks. Now, it's one of the best spots in the house.

Why is the dress circle so called?

It's an old term, usually meaning the first balcony above the orchestra seating area. It was associated with "fancy dress" or evening wear. In some theaters, it curves around, so that's why it's dress *circle*. These days, it's just another level of balcony.

What does dress circle mean at a theatre?

Either called the dress circle or the royal circle (depending on the theatre), this refers to the second level or seating. If it's in a theatre with two levels, the dress circle will be the top level.

Is it better to sit in an orchestra or dress circle?

To watch the orchestra as a whole, the dress circle is generally the best spot as you have a good view over the whole setup, and the sound less likely to be dominated by a particular section of the orchestra. Seat prices of course tend to reflect this.

Is it better to be in the stalls or dress circle?

Of course, each venue is different but in most instances, seats in the Dress Circle (or Royal Circle in some theatres) offer the best seats in a theatre. Coming in a close second - there's barely a hair in it - are seats in the Stalls. For a more up-close-and-personal experience, Stall seats offer the best atmosphere.

What Is The Dress Circle In A Theater? - Broadway Behind The Curtain

Why are mezzanine tickets more expensive?

Anonymous participant 526 mezzanine is often more expensive than down below in the orchestra because it's a better view. The overall view is better from the mezzanine...it's a HUGE stage and hard to catch everything from Orchestra level..

Is mezzanine or dress circle better?

Dress Circle (UK) / Mezzanine or First Balcony (US)

Bring on the drama and the view. Up a level, we have the Dress Circle (aka the Royal Circle in some theaters - because drama). Traditionally, this is where the posh crowd sat to show off their best frocks. Now, it's one of the best spots in the house.

Can you see the stage from dress Circle?

The front of the Dress Circle offers an amazing panoramic view of the stage. The Circle is often a popular choice for families thanks to its elevated view of the show and tiered seating.

Should you wear jeans to the theatre?

From a casual t-shirt, jeans and trainers to a tuxedo or formal dress, there are no dress codes. For some theatrical events, such as a first preview, press nights, galas and opening nights, it may be worth donning a "smart-casual" outfit.

What is the difference between a balcony and a dress circle?

In theatres, main floor seats are called orchestra stalls or the stalls. And the first balcony above the orchestra in a curved section is called the 'dress circle'. It is intended for the people in evening (formal) dress and, hence, called the 'Dress Circle'.

Why is it called stalls in theatre?

The stalls – The stalls are also sometimes called the Orchestra Stalls or Orchestra Seats, simply because the orchestra, which used to accompany shows, originally sat there. These days they're usually taken over by punters, located in the lowest part of the theatre, closest to the stage.

What does mezzanine seating mean?

Mezzanine Guide. The Mezzanine is an elevated section above the Orchestra, with around 328 seats divided by stepped aisles into Left, Right and Center. It is generally cheaper than the Orchestra, with some good value seats in the back half.

What are the cheapest seats in a theatre called?

The gods (UK English), or sometimes paradise, is a theatrical term referring to the highest areas of a theatre such as the upper balconies. These are generally the cheapest seats; the moniker may have come from the ornately painted ceilings in older venues, often based on mythological themes.

What's the difference between a dress circle and a grand circle?

The Grand Circle is similar in size to the Dress Circle and is divided by an aisle that runs partway through the section. A significant number of seats are offered at reduced prices due to the drastic curve of the section.

What are theater balconies called?

The balcony is the upper tier or tiers. Sometimes parts of the balconies will be called the mezzanine or the loge, but each theater can call them pretty much what they want. While orchestra tickets are more expensive, for many shows the center balcony is actually a more desirable place to really see the production.

Is it better to sit in the stalls or dress circle?

Views. Reserving a seat in the Circle is the best option as they offer a panoramic view of the stage. More specifically, the first five to ten rows almost always present some of the best views in the house. The Stalls also offer great views, but looking up at the stage throughout may leave you with neck pain.

Is dress Circle better than Orchestra?

The best views are in the more expensive rows A and B of the Center Dress Circle; some theatergoers may even prefer these seats to those in the Orchestra thanks to their elevated, sweeping views of the stage.

Which is the best seat in theatre?

The best seats are usually in the middle rows, around two-thirds back from the screen, offering the perfect balance of sight and sound.

What is the best row to sit at the theater?

The answer is in the sound. According to Steve Martz, a sound engineer at THX, the company responsible for the high-fidelity sound used in most cinemas, the best rows to sit in are two-thirds before the last row, counting from the first row of seats.

What are the four types of theatre spaces?

Why are mezzanine seats cheaper?

Those tend to be priced higher, more similarly to orchestra seats. Tickets in the side mezzanine (slightly to the right or left of the theatre) or closer to the back rows tend to be cheaper since they are further from the stage.

Is it better to sit stage left or right?

... Although a preference for seats to the right side of the screen, stage, and entrance was found, Weyers et al. (2006) also found a preference for selecting seats on the right side of the page. Thus, for maps with the screen at the bottom of the page, seats to the left of the screen were preferred. ...

Where is the most expensive place to sit in a theatre?

The best views from the Stalls are traditionally from the centre seats, a few rows back - in this case, rows D to H. These also tend to be the most expensive seats in the house. Seats at the far sides and back of the Stalls may offer more restricted or distant views of the stage and prices usually reflect this.

Is it better to sit in the balcony or mezzanine?

I think it really depends on what show and theater you're looking to see. A big production like Wicked looks great from farther back where the immense stage and set can be fully appreciated. Something more intimate like Come From Away might be better a little closer up.