blackmons

We are planning a long weekend to Ashland for the Shakespeare Festival and are in the process of selecting our seats. We are trying to stay on a budget. For those of you familiar with the theaters, what level of seats would you recommend. Does it matter in some of the theaters more than others, or are there good sight lines no matter where you sit. We are travelling from Chicago so don't want to come all that way and then not have good seats, but we don't want to pay more than we have to either. Any advice?
Thanks,
Laurie

Gardyloo

We've been to all of the venues and I don't think there are any bad seats to speak of. Obviously more $ = closer, but none of the theaters are all that big. (Exception being I wouldn't go SRO outdoors.)

beachbum

I've sat in several areas of the Angus Bowmer Theatre and never had a problem with sight lines. Obviously, avoid the outside ends of the rows, but otherwise I think you'd be happy wherever. I wouldn't take that chance on the Elizabethan Stage, though. Sight lines are generally fine, but I remember once nearly freezing to death in a seat in one of the back rows up in the balcony.

321go

The Bowmer was designed to avoid problems with sight lines. Just about any seat will be fine. I love sitting in the balcony of the Elizabethan; yes, it can get chilly at night so bring a sweater or rent a blanket from the Soroptimists. The New Theatre is so small that I've never had a problem. I'd encourage you to call the box office and ask them about tickets to the plays you want to see. They're generally very knowledgeable and can really help you cut costs.

barbie1570

I love the experience of the Elizabethan Stage. I have had warm nights watching bats fly overhead, rainy nights and heatwaves. Light rain doesn't really affect the performance-bring a rain poncho and enjoy! Heavy rain will cancel a performance-only happened once to me. Very disappointing-but full refunds were very prompt. There are no bad seats in any theatre. Enjoy!

nobigdeal

I agree that it is just about impossible to get a bad seat in either Bowmer or the New Theatre. The only venue where I really worry about seat selection is the Elizabethan Stage. Since it is so large and outside, I sometimes have difficulty hearing if I'm too far away (though I'm a bit sensitive there, so you might not have any problems). I've never sat in the balcony, so can't comment, but I would try to stay in the middle section of seats if sitting downstairs. I agree that calling the box office is a huge help if you're unfamiliar with the seating -- they've been very helpful in the past about suggesting certain areas for certain plays (if, for example, much of the action is toward the center of the stage) or saying that it doesn't really matter if you're in the center or off to the sides. I do tend to warn people against sitting in the front row of the New Theatre -- it can feel like you're part of the play, as you're pretty much sitting onstage (depending on the set) and can be in the lights. If that would bother you, avoid the front row.

What time of year are you coming? I go every year in the fall, and it can be uncomfortably chilly outside. Mild, I'm sure, compared to Chicago temps, but sitting outside in 40-50 degree weather on plastic seats and not moving for a few hours makes it feel colder than it is! If you have any specific seats you're looking at, I'd be happy to take a look at your options and offer any insight. Also, if you are visiting in the spring or fall, it might be worth it to buy a membership to save money on the tickets.

Enjoy, it's a wonderful experience! (What have you chosen to see?)