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

Expert Tips for Choosing the Best Seats at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre

The Courtyard Theater's intimate 500-seat thrust stage means every seat offers excellent sightlines, but some sections provide better value than others for "Hymn." Here's our breakdown of the best options across all price ranges.

Best Value Tickets (Under $120)

• MAIN FLOOR RIGHT - Row E ($114): Slight side angle but excellent proximity (6 tickets available)
• MAIN FLOOR LEFT - Row E ($116): Mirror of right section with comparable views (6 tickets)
• MAIN FLOOR CENTER - Row K ($118): Straight-on view though slightly farther back (4 tickets)

Why we recommend these: Rows E-K in side sections offer 85% of the experience of front rows at 20% lower prices. The theater's design ensures good visibility even from side angles.

Sweet Spot (Best Balance of Price & View)

• Main Floor Left/Right - Rows A-C ($135): Multiple options available across sections
• Main Floor Center - Row D ($145): Premium center viewing (limited availability)

Key differences: Rows A-C put you within 15 feet of performers. Left/Right sections have slight angles (15-20°) while Center is direct. Side sections actually offer better actor facial expressions during most scenes.

Premium Options (Closest Views)

• Main Floor Center - Row D ($145): Unobstructed straight-on view (2 tickets)
• Main Floor Left/Right - Row A ($145): Closest possible seats (2 tickets per side)

Consider: Front row center commands a premium but may require more neck movement. Side front rows offer incredible intimacy with performers at a slight angle.

View Comparison Guide

• Rows A-C: See facial expressions clearly, may see backstage areas
• Rows D-G: Ideal viewing plane, takes in full stage pictures
• Rows H-K: Elevated sightlines over heads, better for choreography
• Left/Right vs Center: Side sections offer more dynamic perspectives in this thrust configuration

Our Top Recommendations

• Best Overall Value: MAIN FLOOR LEFT/Right Row E ($114-116)
• Premium Experience: Main Floor Center Row D ($145)
• Group Bookings (6+): Main Floor Left/Right Row C ($135) blocks available
• Last-Minute Splurge: Main Floor Row A any section ($145)

Special Notes for "Hymn"

This production uses the full thrust stage with frequent actor movement. Side sections (Left/Right) between rows B-F actually provide more consistent eye contact with performers than center sections for this particular show.