Allen Elizabeth Theatre | The Merry Wives of Windsor Seating Guide & Best Tickets

Expert Recommendations for the Best Views & Value at Oregon Shakespeare Festival

Discover the perfect seats for Shakespeare's "The Merry Wives of Windsor" at Ashland's iconic Allen Elizabeth Theatre. Our seating guide highlights the best value tickets, premium options, and hidden gems in this unique Elizabethan-style venue. Compare sections, rows, and prices to find your ideal Shakespearean experience.

Best Value Tickets ($68-77)

• Balcony Rows Y/V: Center Left/Right Doors 12-15 offer excellent elevated views at the lowest prices. Row Y ($68) is highest but unobstructed, while Row V ($77) provides slightly better angles.
• Orchestra Rows L/O: Left/Right Doors 1,4,7,10 give good main-level seating. Row L ($68) is rear orchestra while Row O ($77) moves 5 rows closer.

Sweet Spot Seating ($77-108)

• Balcony Rows R/T: House Right/Left Doors 11,16 (Rows R-T) provide intimate side-balcony views with actors often entering/exiting nearby ($77).
• Orchestra Rows H-K: Center Left/Right Doors 3,8 (Rows J-K at $108) place you mid-theater with perfect sightlines to the thrust stage.

Higher Tier Options ($108-146)

• Orchestra Center Rows G-K: Doors 3,8,9 offer premium central seating. Row G ($146) puts you just 7 rows back with actors at eye level.
• Front Orchestra Rows F: Doors 2,9 ($138) provide closest possible views - you'll see every facial expression.

Premium/Last-Minute Seats ($146-188)

• Front Center Rows A-CC: Doors 2,9 (Rows A-CC at $188) - the "nobility seats" with actors sometimes performing within arm's reach.
• Orchestra AA-BB: Center Left Door 9 ($146-188) - rare forward-center seats often held for donors.

Key View Differences

• Balcony vs Orchestra: Balcony offers panoramic views (better for scene transitions) while orchestra provides intimacy (better for facial expressions).
• Center vs Side Sections: Center seats (Doors 3,7-9,12-15) face the stage directly while side sections (Doors 1-2,4,10-11,16) offer more dynamic, angled perspectives.
• Front Rows Warning: Rows A-F may require some neck movement as the stage is elevated - best for immersive experiences rather than comfort.

Our Top Recommendations

• Best Budget Pick: Balcony Center Right Door 12 Row Y ($68) - surprisingly good sightlines for the price.
• Smart Splurge: Orchestra Center Left Door 8 Row K ($108) - perfect balance of proximity and central viewing.
• VIP Experience: Orchestra Center Left Door 9 Row BB ($188) - where festival donors sit, with actors making direct eye contact.
• Unique Perspective: Balcony House Left Door 16 Row T ($77) - excellent view of the famous Allen Elizabeth stage architecture.

Theatre Layout Tips

The Allen Elizabeth Theatre's thrust stage means 60% of seats are within 15 rows. Even "rear" seats are closer than most proscenium theaters. Side sections actually provide some of the most dynamic views for this production's lively crowd scenes.

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