Courtyard Theater | "Hymn" Seating Guide – Best Views & Ticket Deals

Smart Seat Selection for Chicago Shakespeare Theatre's Intimate Venue

The Courtyard Theater's thrust stage configuration means 3/4 of the audience faces the stage directly, creating an immersive experience. With only 20 rows max and no seat more than 35 feet from the stage, every location offers good sightlines—but strategic choices can enhance your "Hymn" experience.

Best Value Tickets ($113-115)

• Main Floor Left/Right - Rows K: Excellent mid-range option. These $113 seats are just 12 rows back with only slight side angles (the stage thrusts forward so side views remain clear). Best value for groups of 4.
• Main Floor Left/Right - Rows A/C: At $115, these front-side seats put you within 10 feet of performers. The slight side angle actually enhances the 3D effect of the thrust stage.

Sweet Spot (Good Availability & Price)

• Main Floor Right - Row E: Priced at $114, these center-right seats offer the perfect balance - close enough to see facial expressions (rows A-J are considered "up close") while maintaining straight-on sightlines.
• Main Floor Center - Row K: At $118, these dead-center seats provide the classic straight-on view the theater was designed for. Only 15 seats per row in center sections.

Higher Tier Options (Not the best deals)

• Main Floor Center - Row D: $129 seats are very good but only marginally better than Row E at $114. The 3-row difference doesn't justify the 13% price jump unless you need aisle access.
• Front Row Side (A): $125-129 prices reflect premium for proximity, but the extreme sides may cause some sightline compromises during certain scenes.

View Differences by Section

• Center Sections: Unobstructed straight-on views perfect for catching the full stage picture
• Left/Right Sections: Slight angles create more dynamic perspectives (great for scenes using the thrust extensions)
• Row A vs. Rows C/K: Front row puts you at stage level (may look slightly upward), while rows C/K elevate you to ideal eye-level sightlines

Recommendations

• For Groups: The $113 Row K side seats (4 together available) offer the best combination of price and experience
• For Couples: Consider $114 Row E center-right seats - excellent sightlines with minimal price premium
• Budget-Conscious: Wait for potential last-minute drops on the $115 Row A/C side seats
• Premium Experience: The $129 center Row D seats are worth considering if you want perfect centrality without VIP pricing

Remember: All seats in this intimate 500-seat theater are good - the differences are in degrees of perfection rather than drastic quality changes. For "Hymn," which emphasizes character relationships, closer seats (Rows A-K) are preferable to see subtle performances.