The Benedum Center's 2,870 red velvet seats each offer a unique theater experience. To help you choose the perfect spot for your visit, we chatted with two Benedum insiders who know the theater like the back of their hand.
Katie Colwell, Director of Operations at the Benedum, and Christine Wagner, Operations Manager at the Benedum, share their recommendations based on their expertise and personal preferences.
Best Seats by Performance Type:
Dance Performances
Katie’s Pick: Upper Level, Director's Circle
For dance performances, I like to sit up top in Rows AA-EE (the Director’s Circle), so I can get a view of the whole ensemble with their formations and choreography.
Comedy Shows
Katie’s Pick: Director's Circle or Front Orchestra
The orchestra section can include seating the orchestra pit, depending on the performance.
Katie: I prefer to sit closer to the stage for comedy, so Rows A-M in the Orchestra Level or Rows AA-FF (the Grand Circle) are my top picks. If you sit in the balcony, though, you can still get that “up close” experience. Because of the overhang, the Director’s Circle is actually closer than the back of the Orchestra Level.
Christine: I personally don’t have a preference when it comes to comedy shows. You can hear the show from anywhere and that’s what matters to me.
Katie: I’ll add that the stage set ups are changing for comedy shows. They’re using more IMAG technology (which is the projection system that displays close-ups of the performer), so you won’t miss a thing, no matter where you sit.
Broadway Productions
Picks: Orchestra, Director’s Circle, First Tier
Katie: There really isn’t a bad seat for Broadway, but I would say my favorite spots are Rows A-T (the Orchestra), Rows AA-EE (the Director’s Circle) and Rows A-F (the First Tier).
Christine: I agree—I can truly sit anywhere. For shows with floor projections, like Hamilton, I do like sitting in the balcony so that I can see the full effect of those visuals.
Katie: Projections are becoming a bigger part of Broadway productions, and the projectors are positioned near the balcony rail. So with this changing technology, we could see some shifts in seating.
Rock Concerts
Katie’s Pick: Orchestra, Director’s Circle, First Tier
For rock shows, I feel the same way as I do about Broadway. They’re all good seats! I’ll throw out the same recommendations for these shows: Rows A-T, Rows AA-EE, and Rows A-F.
Classical Music (Symphony/Orchestra)
Christine’s Pick: Upper Level (balcony)
The balcony is comprised of three sections: the Director's Circle, First Tier, and Second Tier
I like to sit in the balcony because I like the way sound carries to this spot. The acoustics are amazing, particularly in the Director’s Circle Center (Rows AA-EE).
Opera
Christine’s Picks: Upper Level (balcony)
For the same reasons as the symphony and orchestra, I like to sit in the balcony for the opera. This can be anywhere in the Director’s Circle, First Tier or Second Tier in rows AA-W.
Special Seating Considerations
Best for Leg Room
Katie’s Pick: Row A
The sweet spots for leg room are Rows AA 101-102.
Best Chandlier Views
Katie’s Pick: Second Tier balcony
You can see the chandelier up close in the Second Tier, although the chandelier won't be dropped for cleaning as it is in this picture.
Sitting in the Second Tier of the balcony, Rows M-W, gives you the best view of the Grand Chandelier because you don’t have to look back to see it. This area also gives you the full picture of the Benedum interior.
Best for Sound Quality
Katie’s Pick: Anywhere
The whole place is wired, so you’re going to get good sound quality anywhere. In fact, last year we completed a ~$750,000 update of our audio equipment (the sound board and speakers), so the sound is even better than before!
Accessibility
Wheelchair and Bariatric Seating
Picks: Orchestra Level and Platform
The platform can accommodate four guests
Katie: Bariatric chairs can be swapped out or added to the platform area at the Back of the Benedum. When there are open seats in other areas of the Orchestra Level, we can add them there as well. You can call the Box Office at 412-456-6666 to request a bariatric chair.
Christine: The Platform area at the back of the Orchestra Level, next to Row X, is reserved for wheelchairs. This area can accommodate parties of up to 4 people. You can read more about the platform seating in this blog.
Best Access to the Quiet Room: Promenade Level and Orchestra Level
Katie: The promenade and the Orchestra Level will give you the quickest route to the Quiet Room. In general, any aisle seat is the best pick if you need to exit quickly.
Best for Nursing Parents Pick: Promenade Level
Best for Access to the Adult Changing Table Pick: Promenade Level
Concessions and Merchandise
Best Access to Bars
Katie’s Pick: Every level
We have bars everywhere, at every level, so you’re in luck wherever you sit! To cut throw the lines you can also pre-order your Benedum Center (and Byham Theater) intermission drinks and snacks right from your phone with the Noble app.
Merchandise Access
Christine’s Pick: Orchestra Level
Merchandise is located in the Grand Lobby, so if you are a big merch person sitting in the Orchestra Level (Rows A-T) makes it easier to access.
Finding Staff Assistance
Katie’s Pick: Any Level
Take your pick! We have staff stationed at every level at the Benedum.
Breaking down the Benedum’s Layout:
Orchestra Level (Main floor)
- Orchestra seats: Main seating area
- Grand Circle: Front section (sometimes reserved for the orchestra pit)
- Platform: Rear section with wheelchair accessibility
- Balcony Level (Upper level)
- Director's Circle: First five rows of the balcony
- Promenade: Walkway area between Director's Circle and First Tier
- First Tier: Mid-balcony seating
- Mezzanine: Walkway between First and Second Tier
- Second Tier: Upper balcony seating
Pro Tip:
Use Select Your Own Seat: By using the Select Your Own Seat function, you can see where your seats are located within the theater. Available seats will be indicated with a green dot. If you click on those dots, you can see the view from that seat.