orchestra pits

Sunken ensemble spaces

An orchestra pit is the sunken area in front of a stage where musicians sit during opera, ballet, or musical theater performances.

The lowered position keeps the orchestra out of sight while allowing sound to reach the audience.

The pit may be covered or extended to enlarge the stage when no live music is needed.

Related

ensemble · acoustics · overtures · opera · symphony · ballet · musical theater · Broadway · sunken · front row · trap doors · scores · concerto · lighting design · intermissions · green rooms · dress rehearsal · opening night

Categories
Opposites
theatrical space/visibility

orchestra pitsstage

Raised performance platform

main stage · proscenium · center stage · apron · forestage

vertical position in venue

orchestra pitsbalconies

Raised exterior platforms

catwalks · mezzanines · dress circles · gods

audience visibility

orchestra pitscenter stage

Position of maximum attention

spotlight · marquee · front of house · box seats · mezzanine

Family

orchestra, orchestras, pits, orchestral, orchestrate, orchestrated, orchestrates, orchestrating, orchestration

Familiarity
Top 200,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G