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

Expert Recommendations for the Best "Hamlet" Experience

The Mark Taper Forum's intimate 739-seat thrust stage demands strategic seat selection. Here's our breakdown for Shakespeare's "Hamlet" with current ticket availability and pricing insights.

Best Value Tickets (Price + View Balance)

• Floor Row K ($74): Excellent mid-floor position with direct sightlines to all stage action. The Taper's steep rake means you'll see over heads despite being 11 rows back. Best for budget-conscious theatergoers wanting full immersion.
• Floor Row J ($80): Just one row closer than K for only $6 more. These seats fall in the "golden ratio" zone - close enough for actor expressions yet far enough to take in the full stage picture. Our top recommendation.

Sweet Spot (Good Availability & Price)

• Front Terrace (Rows A-C): Elevated perspective avoids neck strain from the thrust stage's forward extensions. Perfect for viewers who prefer seeing actor entrances from the wings.
• Rear Floor (Rows L-M): Still maintains strong sightlines with minor distance tradeoff. Ideal for tall patrons needing extra legroom.

Higher Tier Options (Not the best deals)

• Center Floor (Rows D-G): Premium $100+ seats offer minimal view improvement over Rows J-K. Only worthwhile if you must be within 10 feet of soliloquies.
• Side Boxes: Unique angles but some visual compromises when actors face upstage. Best for repeat viewers wanting new perspectives.

View Considerations

• Stage Depth: Rows A-J see floor-level acting best. Rows K+ catch more of the raised platform scenes.
• Actor Sightlines: Center seats miss some facial expressions during diagonal scenes. Aisle seats (odd numbers) get better eye contact.
• Height Variance: Front Terrace provides 18" elevation gain over equivalent floor rows - better for shorter attendees.

Our Final Recommendation

The Floor Row J tickets at $80 represent the optimal balance of price and performance immersion for "Hamlet." With four tickets available in this block, you'll enjoy:

• Unobstructed views of the ghost scenes (stage left) and closet scene (up center)
• Perfect distance to appreciate fight choreography without missing subtle gestures
• Easy aisle access during intermission in this center-section row

Pro Tip for Theatergoers

At the Taper, every seat is within 65 feet of the stage. The $6 difference between Rows J and K is worth upgrading - you'll gain noticeably better vocal clarity and detail in the intimate space.