Orchestra pit

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The orchestra pit sandwiched between the stage and the seating of the New York State Theater.

An orchestra pit is the area in a theater (usually located in a lowered area in front of the stage) in which musicians perform. Orchestral pits are utilized in forms of theatre that require music (such as Opera and Ballet) or in cases when incidental music is required. The conductor is typically positioned at the front of the orchestral pit facing the stage.

In marching ensembles such as drum and bugle corps, the pit refers to the front ensemble, a section of stationary percussion instruments located at the front of the performance area.

Construction

Typically, orchestral pits are located in the auditorium directly in front of the stage. They are sometimes capable of being lowered in order to keep the musicians out of the sightlines of the audience. In some cases, part or all of the pit sits on a mechanical lift which can raise the floor to the level of the stage deck. Often an orchestra pit will be equipped with a removable pit cover which provides safety by eliminating the steep drop off from the stage and also increases the available acting area above. In most cases, some sort of lattice or sound port is built into the front of the orchestra pit, to allow audience members in the front rows to hear the music while retaining a wall which separates them from the orchestra.

The size and design of an orchestral pit can vary greatly. In performances of Operas, especially those of Richard Wagner, the pit may need to be increased in size to accommodate the large orchestra required. In performances of musical theater, orchestral pits are typically small as there is no need for a larger one.

See also

• Musical Theater
• Opera
• Orchestra
• Pit orchestra