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

Expert Recommendations for the Best Seats at Mark Taper Forum

The Mark Taper Forum's intimate 739-seat thrust stage configuration means nearly every seat offers excellent sightlines, but strategic selection can enhance your "Hamlet" experience. Here's our breakdown of current ticket options with view analysis and pricing strategies.

Best Value Tickets (Price + View Balance)

• FLOOR Row L @ $69 - Rear floor seating still provides clear stage views in this intimate venue. The Taper's steep rake means you'll look slightly down on the action - perfect for catching subtle facial expressions in Shakespearean drama.
• FLOOR Row D @ $99 - Mid-floor sweet spot where you're close enough to see actors' nuances but not too close for neck strain. Rows C-F are considered the "Goldilocks zone" for thrust stages.

Sweet Spot (Good Availability & Price)

• Section B Row E @ $107 - Side terrace seating with angled (not side) views. The Taper's wraparound design means these aren't true side views - you'll miss some upstage action but gain unique perspective on entrances/exits.
• FLOOR Row J @ $132 - Premium floor location where the stage thrust begins narrowing, creating a more immersive experience. These seats frequently become available as production dates approach.

Higher Tier Options (Not the best deals)

• FLOOR Row G @ $141 - Only 8 rows from the stage but priced at a premium. For Shakespeare, being extremely close requires more head movement to follow action on the thrust extensions.

View Differences Key Notes

• Floor Rows A-C: You'll see sweat and spit but may miss some upstage blocking. Best for actors' facial work.
• Floor Rows D-J: Ideal sightlines to see the full thrust stage without excessive head turning.
• Terrace Sections (A,B,C): Provide a director's-eye view of stage pictures but slight viewing angles.
• Rear Floor (K-M): Surprisingly good - the Taper's design ensures no seat is more than 65 feet from stage.

Pro Tips for "Hamlet" at Mark Taper Forum

• For matinees, avoid seats under balcony overhangs (Rows N-P) which can feel slightly cavernous
• Terrace seats in even-numbered sections (B,D) have slightly better aisle access
• Check for weekday performances - often better availability in prime floor sections
• The Taper's acoustics are superb throughout - no "dead zones" for this language-heavy play

Our Top Pick

The FLOOR Row D tickets at $99 offer the ideal balance of proximity and value. At just 12 feet from the stage edge but elevated enough for complete sightlines, these seats deliver a powerful theatrical experience without premium pricing.

Last-Minute Strategy

If holding out, monitor Section C seats which often release last. The Taper's "in the round" design means these slightly obstructed views (behind set pieces) can drop below $60 day-of-show while still offering 85% visibility.