A Guide to Finding Your Perfect View 

One of the most common questions the DCPA Box Office receives is also one of the hardest to answer: 

“What’s the best seat?” 

The truth is, there isn’t just one answer. 

The best seat depends on the performance, the venue, your budget, and the kind of experience you’re looking for. A front-row seat at a Broadway musical can feel completely different from a front-row seat at an intimate Denver Center Theatre Company production. The good news? Whether you’re attending a blockbuster Broadway tour, a locally produced play, a cabaret performance, or a student production, there are great seats throughout the theatres and stages where DCPA presents performances. 

Here’s how to choose the view that’s right for you. 

Start with the Buell Theatre 

Temple Hoyne Buell Theatre. Photo by David Lauer

Most seat-selection questions lead straight to the Buell Theatre, and for good reason. Home to Broadway tours, it’s the largest venue in which the DCPA presents productions and offers a very different experience from the more intimate Theatre Company spaces. Unlike smaller theatres, where every seat is relatively close to the stage, the Buell gives audiences several viewing perspectives from which to choose. 

Understanding the Buell 

• Front Orchestra puts you closest to the action. 
• Center Orchestra offers a balanced view of performers, scenery, and choreography. 
• Mezzanine provides an excellent full-stage perspective and is a favorite of many experienced theatre-goers. 
• Balcony often delivers strong value and a surprisingly complete view of large-scale productions. The front row of the balcony is closer to the stage than the front row of the mezzanine 

Buell Crowd Favorites 

Many seasoned patrons gravitate toward the center Orchestra, particularly rows that are close enough to feel immersed but far enough back to take in the entire production. 

Others swear by the Mezzanine, especially for musicals with large ensemble numbers, intricate choreography, and spectacular scenic design. 

A lesser-known favorite can be found in Orchestra Sections A and E, particularly seats located near the dividing walls between sections. These locations often provide remarkably clean sightlines without feeling too far from the stage. 

What About the Side Boxes? 

Side Box seating is popular for groups of six to eight and creates a memorable, private experience. The tradeoff is that the view can be more angled than traditional Orchestra or Mezzanine seating. If you’re choosing between the “best view” and a unique group experience, the Side Boxes tend to lean toward the latter. 

Insider Tip:

If the Front Orchestra looks sold out, don’t give up. Great seats often become available as performance dates approach. Subscribers exchange tickets, and some seats held during the production’s load-in are released once sightlines are confirmed. 

Bonfils Theatre Complex: It’s All About Proximity 

The biggest surprise for many first-time Theatre Company patrons is just how intimate the spaces can be. In the Wolf, Kilstrom, and Singleton theatres, no seat is more than 13 rows from the stage. 

In these venues, the question usually isn’t Can I see? It’s How close do I want to be? And occasionally: Am I comfortable in the “splash zone”? 

While no promises are being made, Theatre Company productions have been known to include everything from flying confetti to the occasional food fight. Sitting close can make for a memorable evening in more ways than one. 

Wolf Theatre

The Wolf Theatre’s steep seating rake creates excellent sightlines throughout the house. 

If there’s a crowd favorite, it’s Row D. A wide aisle runs directly in front of the row, creating extra legroom and an unobstructed feeling while still keeping you close to the action. 

Best for: patrons who want comfort and intimacy. 

Kilstrom Theatre 

The Kilstrom is an in-the-round theatre, which means the audience surrounds the stage. The good news? The productions are designed for exactly that. Actors play to all sides of the room, so you’re not missing anything by sitting in a particular section. 

For a more immersive experience, choose the lower seating area. If you prefer seeing the entire stage, the mezzanine provides a fantastic bird’s-eye perspective. Regular patrons tend to be surprisingly divided on their favorite seats, which may be the highest compliment a theatre can receive. 

Best for: patrons who want to feel completely immersed in the story. 

Singleton Theatre 

With just 10 rows, the Singleton offers one of the most intimate theatre experiences in Denver. The front rows place audiences right in the middle of the action, while many patrons find the sweet spot in Rows D and E near the center. From there, it’s easy to take in the entire stage while still feeling close to every moment. 

Best for: patrons who want the perfect balance of perspective and proximity. 

Garner Galleria Theatre: Choose the Experience 

The Garner Galleria isn’t just about the show. It’s also about the atmosphere. With table-side service for beverages and light snacks, it offers one of the most relaxed and social theatre experiences at the Denver Performing Arts Complex. 

Rows B through D place audience members on floor-level seating close to the performers. Depending on the production, that can occasionally increase the odds of becoming part of the fun. 

If longtime patrons had to pick a favorite, Row E would likely top the list. Located just behind the floor-level seating, Row E sits along a drink rail and offers unobstructed views of the stage while preserving the intimate cabaret atmosphere. Rows J-N also offer a convenient drink rail rather than a table seating 2-4 people. 

Best for: patrons who want great sightlines, a drink in hand, and a night out that feels a little different. 

Weeks Conservatory Theatre: Hard To Go Wrong 

Capacity 185 | Proscenium style

The Weeks Conservatory Theatre, home to student productions and educational performances, is one of the most intimate venues where DCPA presents work. With just seven rows of seating and a children’s pit at the front of the stage for select performances, there truly aren’t bad seats. 

If pressed for a recommendation, Row F in the center provides an excellent view of the entire stage while still feeling connected to the performance. Most performances in this theatre are general admission; make sure to arrive early so you can pick your seat! 

Best for: families, student productions, and first-time theatregoers. 

Need Accessibility Seating? 

Accessible seating, including wheelchair and companion seating, is available throughout the venues where DCPA presents performances. If you have accessibility needs related to mobility, vision, hearing, or other accommodations, DCPA Ticket Services can help identify seating options that will provide the best experience. 

For additional information, visit DCPA’s Accessibility resources before your visit. 

Still Not Sure? Tell Us What Matters Most. 

Sometimes the best way to find the right seat isn’t to ask for a specific row. It’s to tell DCPA Ticket Services what kind of experience you’re looking for. Helpful things to mention include: 

• “I need extra legroom.” 
• “I’m short and want the best sightlines possible.” 
• “I’d prefer not to climb many stairs.” 
• “I’m using a wheelchair.” 
• “I’m bringing children.” 
• “I want to sit close to the performers.” 
• “I’m looking for the best value.” 

The more we know, the better we can help. 

The Best Seat Is the One That Fits Your Style 

Some patrons want to catch every facial expression. Others want to see the full stage. Some love front-row energy. Others prefer a little extra legroom and a broader view. The beauty of live theatre is that there’s no single “best” seat. There are simply different ways to experience the same story. 

And chances are, your favorite seat is waiting for you. 

The Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA) NewsCenter is the organization’s editorial platform for stories, announcements, interviews, and coverage of theatre and cultural programming in Colorado. We are committed to producing accurate, trustworthy, clearly sourced journalism that reflects our mission and serves our community. This summary used AI to optimize search results and structure; newsroom-reviewed.