THE ORCHESTRA PIT CAN BE USED IN 4 DIFFERENT WAYS!
 

• Sunk below the Orchestral Level for a pit orchestra to perform on. This configuration is used when a live orchestra performs out of sight from the audience. Most of the time, audience members can look down into the pit to see musicians preparing before the show or during intermission. Wicked uses this configuration during their visits.

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• Raised to Orchestral Level where rows are added for extra seating. This is often seen when musicians are playing from on or back stage or shows that use tracked music. This allows audience members to be very close to the action. Shows like RENT and Once use this configuration.

 

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• Raised to stage level so actors have more room to work with. This configuration increases the footprint of the stage, making it larger and bringing it closer to the traditional audience. The Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra uses this configuration often to accomodate their musicians on stage.

 

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• The center section raised to create a thrust stage. A thrust stage brings the center of the action forward into the audience, while the sides of the stage remain in their traditional sight line. The Band of the Royal Marines use this configuration during their visit.

Which ways have you see the Orchestra Pit during your visits to the Center?