Mark Taper Forum Seating Guide for "Hamlet" – Best Views & Value

Smart Seat Selection for Shakespeare's Hamlet at Mark Taper Forum

The Mark Taper Forum's intimate 739-seat thrust stage configuration means every seat has good sightlines, but strategic selection enhances your experience. Below is our expert breakdown of current ticket options for "Hamlet" performances.

Best Value Tickets (Price + View Balance)

• Floor Section, Row L ($86-91): Excellent mid-range option. At this Tony Award-winning theater, Row L places you about 15 rows back with perfect elevation to see facial expressions while maintaining the full stage picture. The $86 tickets are particularly well-priced for this premium drama.
• Why Choose: You'll catch every nuance of the soliloquies without straining, and the price is $30-50 less than comparable center sections.

Sweet Spot (Good Availability & Price)

• Floor Rows K-M ($80-110): The theater's "golden triangle" - close enough for intimacy but far enough to take in the full staging. Avoid extreme sides in these rows.
• Terrace Seating ($75-95): Elevated side sections provide unique angular views of the thrust stage, ideal for seeing blocking patterns in Shakespeare.

Higher Tier Options (Not the best deals)

• Front Orchestra (Rows A-D, $120+): While close, you may miss some upstage action and need to look up more. Best for actors' facial work.
• Center Floor (Rows E-H, $110-135): Prime views but at a 25-40% premium over our recommended Row L.

View Considerations

• Stage Layout: The thrust stage means actors frequently face different directions - center-left seats (house right) often get more direct eye contact.
• Sightlines: Columns support the upper levels but can create slight obstructions in rear side seats. Always check the interactive seating chart.
• Acoustics: The circular design means sound carries well, but front sections miss some vocal projection nuances designed for mid-house listening.

Our Recommendation

The available Floor Row L tickets at $86 represent exceptional value for "Hamlet." At this price point, you're getting:

• Ideal elevation to appreciate the full stage pictures
• Close enough to see the actors' subtle expressions during soliloquies
• Approximately 20% savings over closer center sections with comparable views

Premium or Last-Minute Options

• Consider the $91 Floor L tickets if you need a group of 4 together - the $5 premium per ticket is reasonable for guaranteed seating together.
• Day-of-show rush tickets sometimes release front rows at discounts, but availability is unpredictable for this popular production.

Final Tip

For Shakespeare purists, consider seats slightly house right (looking at stage) to catch more direct delivery of Hamlet's famous soliloquies which traditionally favor this orientation.