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

Expert Recommendations for Oregon Shakespeare Festival Tickets

Discover the best seats for Shakespeare's hilarious "The Merry Wives of Windsor" at Ashland's iconic Allen Elizabeth Theatre. Our seating guide highlights value options, premium views, and strategic recommendations to enhance your theater experience while getting the best deals.

Best Value Tickets ($58-$66)

• Balcony Center (Rows Y/V): Excellent elevated views at lowest prices. Center-left Door 15 (Rows Y @$58) offers perfect sightlines to the thrust stage.
• Orchestra Side (Rows L/H): Close side sections (Door 1 Right/Door 10 Left @$58) with only slight angled views - best budget orchestra option.
• Balcony House Sides (Row R @$66): Slightly offset but unobstructed - great for catching ensemble scenes.

Sweet Spot Tickets ($66-$90)

• Orchestra Center (Rows O/K/J): Mid-price for center sections (Doors 3-4 Right/Doors 7-8 Left). Row O @$66 is particularly strong for price-to-view ratio.
• Balcony Front-Center (Rows T/V): First balcony rows (Doors 12/15) provide overview of Shakespearean staging at $66-$90.
• Pro Tip: Orchestra Center Right Door 3 Row K ($90) offers direct sightlines to the main discovery space at reasonable cost.

Premium Seating ($113-$166)

• Orchestra Front-Center (Rows AA/A/BB): Immersive seats (Doors 2/9) for catching every facial expression. AA @$123 is exceptional value in premium category.
• Front Right (Rows A-BB @$166): Closest seats to the stage (Door 2) - perfect for studying actor technique.
• Note: The Elizabethan stage means no true "bad seats" - even premium side seats have excellent sightlines.

View Comparison

• Balcony vs Orchestra: Balcony (Rows Y-T) offers better view of choreography patterns; Orchestra (Rows L-AA) provides intimacy with performers.
• Center vs Sides: Center sections (Doors 3-4/7-9/12-15) have direct views; side sections (Doors 1-2/10-11/16) offer dynamic diagonal perspectives.
• Front Rows: Rows A-F put you within 15 feet of actors - see costume details but may require some neck movement.

Our Top Recommendations

• Best Overall Value: Orchestra Center Left Door 7 Row O ($66) - perfect balance of price and central location
• Budget Pick: Balcony Center Left Door 15 Row Y ($58) - surprisingly good views from highest center section
• Premium Choice: Orchestra Center Right Door 3 Row G ($123) - in the "actor eye line" for maximum engagement
• Group Option: Balcony Center Right Door 12 Row V (6 tickets @$66) - excellent group availability with cohesive view

Theatre Layout Tips

The Allen Elizabeth Theatre's thrust stage means 70% of seats are within 40 feet. Sections are named by entry doors (numbered clockwise). For "Merry Wives," prioritize seats with clear view of center trap doors where much physical comedy occurs.

Final Advice

• Balcony tickets often release last-minute - check for upgrades if flexible
• Matinee performances sometimes offer price breaks on premium seats
• Rows AA-BB in center sections provide the classic OSF experience
• Consider side seats if you enjoy watching audience reactions