Word of the day
orchestra pit
The area of a theater where musicians perform during opera, balllet, and musical theater productions. This is typically an area that is directly in front of the stage, between the stage and the audience. It is often on the same level as the audience, however, it is ideal to be lower than the audience with a wall to provide a sound barrier to balance the acoustics of the theater. In more professional theaters, the orchestra pit can be on hydraulic lifts that can raise or lower as needed. The typical orchestra pit can hold a small orchestra of 20 or so musicians.