Establishing a theater hall or renovating an existing hall is an exciting but also a job that requires a lot of detail. Especially when the stages of choosing theater seats come into play, the question “Which one would be the best choice?” suddenly becomes the most important issue. I think of myself as an audience member and look at the situation that way: If I’m going to sit in front of that stage for hours, I need to take this job seriously.
As a theater owner, you may have been involved in performing arts for years, or maybe you’re planning a new investment. No matter where you are, seat selection is not a matter to be taken lightly. Because theater seating is not only aesthetic, it is also the backbone of audience satisfaction. Now, let’s detail this process a little together.
Seats Are a Decision Mechanism: So What is the Choice Based on?
We shouldn’t just say a seat and ignore it. The first link between the stage and the audience is actually the seat. So what should we pay attention to when choosing a theater seat? Material quality, shape of the armrest, color of the fabric, fire resistance… The list is long. But my opinion is that you should first get to know the spirit of your space.
Does your hall have a capacity of 100 people or 1000 people? This affects not only the number of seats but also the layout, seat dimensions and even color choices. My advice is that acting according to the architecture of the hall always pays off. If you buy a seat just because it looks stylish, you will say “if only” after a few months.
But wait a minute, should these seats be fixed or portable? If you are one of those who say “I will use this hall for both theater and conference”, your answer has already been revealed. Fixed theater seating systems optimize the use of space and offer long-term use.
There is a Stage in Your Theater, but Are There Seats That Suit the Stage?
Now think about it this way: Your audience bought their tickets and entered the hall with excitement. What is the first thing they see? Not the stage. The seats. That is why you should not ignore the issue of “the audience’s first impression” when choosing seats for a theater hall.
Let me ask you a question: When someone who enters a theater for the first time sees the seats, does he say “There is quality work here!”? If the answer is no, it may be necessary to reconsider the seats. At this point, my advice is; definitely consider theater seat options with wooden armrests. It both adds a timeless atmosphere and serves you for years with its sturdy structure.
Also, let me not forget, details such as fire-resistant fabric selection prevent major problems that may arise in the future. What we call “small details” are actually indicators of great professionalism. In other words, they are like invisible stars.
Color or Comfort? Why Not Both?
Do you think red is out of fashion in theater seats? My answer: No, but don’t be limited to just red. My opinion is that the color of the seats is not only an aesthetic choice, but also a part of the atmosphere. Dark tones in particular add seriousness to the space, while light tones add spaciousness.
Perhaps the most overlooked thing next to colors is back support. No matter how nice the seat looks, if your audience leaves with back pain, that show will never be fully enjoyable. When choosing seats for the theater, be sure to test them, sit down, stand up, and sit down again. This is a decision to be made in the hall, not at the table.
So are these seats only for adults? More compact and colorful models can be preferred in children’s theaters. In fact, leaving space between the rows allows families to move comfortably with their children. I think of myself as a spectator and look at the situation that way; if my child is fidgeting next to me, I focus on him, not on the stage.
What are the Mistakes Made for the Sake of Theater Seating?
Let’s look at the negative side of things. Do you know what the most common mistake is? Choosing cheap but low-quality seats. Because theater seat prices are not always an indicator of quality, but the cost of a very low-priced product usually comes out in the future.
For example, imported seats or domestic production? There is a fine line here. If you prefer domestic production, you will both speed up the supply process and not have problems with maintenance and spare parts. In addition, some local companies can offer special designs for special projects. This gives you a great deal of freedom.
After how many minutes do you think the audience will start to get bored with their seats? Never ignore this because theatergoers pay attention not only to their eyes but also to where they sit. That is why theater seating requires detailed planning.
The Final Touch: Your Stage is Complete, But Your Seats Are Not Incomplete
Theater is an art form, and the seat is the framework of this art. No matter how magnificent a stage you set up, if the audience’s comfort (I didn’t use that word again!) is lacking, the work is not complete. That is why you should plan your theater seating even before the stage decoration, believe me.