Theater seating is a style of commonly used event layout, comprised of chairs aligned in consecutive straight rows, generally facing a single direction. It is sometimes called stadium seating or auditorium seating.
Here we explore the types of events during which theater seating is best to use, standard setup formats, a variety of customizations you can implement to achieve your events objectives, and some advantages and disadvantages of this unique seating arrangement. Plus, how to set it up! Read on to see if theater style is the perfect seating chart layout for your next event.
Theater style seating is an arrangement of chairs in rows, arcs or circles that all face the same direction in the venue space. There are no tables, desks, or additional furniture used in theater style seating. Many events use this style because it is the simplest to implement, as it generally reflects the default seating already found in the selected venue, such as a theatre, stadium, or cinema.
The auditorium seating layout can either be set up as multiple-aisle or continental. A multiple-aisle arrangement will have a maximum of 14“16 chairs per row with access to an aisle-way at both ends. If an aisle can be reached from one end of a row only, the seat count may then be limited to 7 or 8. The maximum quantities are always established by the governing building code, which is something the venue will be aware of.
In a continental arrangement, all seats are located in a central section. In the continental style, you can fit even more chairs per row than multiple-aisle arrangement. In order to compensate for the greater length of rows allowed, building codes generally require wider row spacing, wider aisles, and strategically located exit doors. For early planning, an average of 7.5 sq ft. per person may be used. Perhaps surprisingly, a continental arrangement can often accommodate more seating within the same space.
Regardless of the arrangement you choose, when setting up for theater style you can further position the chairs a variety of ways such as in straight rows, circular rows, semi-circular rows, and angles rows toward the event’s focal point. And the customization doesn’t have to stop there. There are quite a few ways you can adapt your theater seating:
Theater seating is a practical setup style for tons of events. The theater style layout is ideal for events where guests are there to be an audience and observe, not participate. It’s also a great fit for events where your attendees don’t need a lot of space to do things such as eat, take notes, or mingle with each other.
For example, Cvent recently held its company-wide meeting in Washington DC’s Warner Theater. This was a half-day event where employees learned all about the company’s plans for the next year. Because the goal of the event was learning and celebration, the theater style seating helped keep everyone focused on the presentations at the center of the room. TEDTalks are another great example because the focus is on the presenter, not on encouraging discussion from the audience members. And finally, it’s also a great fit for product launches such as Apple’s iPhone launches, and conferences such as Cvent CONNECT and Hubspot’s INBOUND.
When it comes to theater seating, there are a number of reasons why it can improve your event:
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There are also a number of reasons why it might not be the right fit for your event:
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Using Social Tables smart seating chart, theater row seating is easy to create in a few minutes. Curved and Chevron style seating are quick and easy when using our templates feature. You’ll be on the road to success in no time when you follow these steps:
With theater row template defaults you can even create standards and set measurements for theater rows, which should save you time on every setup. The Theater Row template default can be found as an option in the Template dropdown within the Defaults tab of Administrator Settings. After you make some changes here, you’ll find your new default as an option in the Template Type menu whenever you add a theater row template default.
Check out the image below to see it in action:
Get started with Social Tables now, because your theater row seating diagram will set your next event up for success. And don’t forget to check out our Seating Chart Maker!
Fixed seating is a type of seating which includes backrests and is installed into a fixed location, attaching it to a floor or tiering. It is a popular choice across a wide range of venues and has evolved considerably since its beginnings where long hard bench rows were typically found in churches and in university lecture theatres.
Fixed Seating is found across a wide range of different venues types, these typically include:
Robust and durable, fixed seating is designed to provide many years of maintenance free usage, with impressive whole life costs and attrition rates.
Fixed seating is typically fixed together in rows, leaving no wasted space between each seat -- therefore regardless of the size of the venue, fixed seating will always be the best way to maximise capacity. Individual seat widths can be adjusted to suit preferences, provided a minimum required width for personal space is met.
Comfort is an important specification when designing seating plans - in venues such as auditoriums and lecture theatres, occupants may have to remain seated for extended periods of time. Unsuitable seating can cause its occupants to adopt awkward positions or move around more in the seat, causing distraction to others.
Fixed seating can be installed with fixed desks or integrated writing tablets, such as the award-winning Wrimatic™, providing a more spacious and practical work station for occupants to take notes and use laptops, tablets or other portable devices. Ferco recommend a generous minimum desk space of 400 mm.
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Fire safety
A set amount of distance between each row of seats provides safe passage, as seats automatically tip-up or auto-park when vacated, creating a gangway free of obstacles. Fixed seats can also have auto-return and anti-panic Wrimatic tablets (the tablet automatically flips back into the arm if the user stands up, allows for clear egress in an emergency, with no fear of seats tipping over or blocking escape routes.
Fixed seating is often installed in tiers providing each occupant with equal sightlines - non tiered seating can on occasions leave occupants at a disadvantage if somebody taller sits in front of them. This can also encourage disruptive movement as a consequence. Fixed tiered seating is inclusive, as all occupants are provided with an uninterrupted line of sight and an equal view point. Sightlines are of particular importance at the planning stage.
Fixed seats can't slide around which is not only safer, it also eliminates disruptive chair scraping and shuffling. Acoustics are very important in educational, performance and sporting venues. Fixed seating can include options of additional acoustic dampening properties to enhance the acoustics of a space.
Furniture does not need to be moved around in order to be cleaned properly and so spaces can be cleaned quickly and efficiently. Ferco's premium cinema seats feature the Easy Lift cleaning system, which tips the seats forward to provide full access underneath.
Power and Data
Fixed seating can be easily paired with power and data sources, as cabling can be discreetly hidden in hollow supports on seating and desking. Wires can be run along rows of seats, which cannot be achieved with loose furniture configurations.
Fixed seating is not only highly functional, it is also aesthetically pleasing with no need to return furniture to the correct configuration. Neat rows with orderly seat spacing is pleasing to the eye. Fixed seating designs can be customised to create a uniform aesthetic flow in keeping with the rest of the building. This can enhance and transform venues, attracting potential clients, visitors or students.
Fixed seating systems can provide improved access for disabled people, as well as designated seating areas.
The Turn and Learn™ system is a unique type of fixed seating system which is becoming increasingly popular in academic settings. It enables occupants to rotate a full 360° whilst remaining seated, this allows both didactic and group work without vacating the seat.
A contoured pod-based fixed seating system is set around a curved desk which is referred to as the collaborative wave. This allows students to participate in active project-based learning, by providing flexibility for group work and study. Chairs can be moved away from the desk and rotated on a high strength steel arm, and auto-park when unoccupied.
Ferco offer an extensive range of fixed seating solutions which services auditorium, education, sports/stadium and cinema sectors. We work with clients to create highly functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces.
Ferco Seating were tasked with installing the lecture theatre seating, the FT10 Wrimatic™ was chosen for its style, comfort and versatility - providing an optimum solution.
https://www.fercoseating.com/projects/education/lecture-theatre-seating-dundee-university/
Cineworld has added three luxury screening rooms to their Cheltenham complex - only one out of four UK sites to offer the VIP experience. The rooms are fitted with the well-appointed Verona Zero Wall, an electric recliner designed for outstanding comfort.
https://www.fercoseating.com/projects/cinema/cineworld-cheltenham-vip-experience/
Ferco provided seating for the 100-person auditorium at Gymshark's Lifting Club - the FT10 seats with built in Wrimatic writing tablet to provide practical, yet comfortable seating which followed the proposed aesthetic through the whole building.
https://www.fercoseating.com/projects/auditorium/ferco-and-oktra-partner-deliver-gymshark
Norwich City's approached Ferco to provide the seating for the match analysis room at the Colney training ground, as well as the training room within the academy complex. For the projects, the ARC Max and the ARC Max Wrimatic were chosen due to the comfort, versatility and the function offered.
https://www.fercoseating.com/projects/sports/norwich-city-football-club/
The largest arts centre in Wales, the award-winning enterprise of Aberystwyth Arts Centre is fitted with Ferco Seating's market-leading Primera Beaufort - designed to complement the clean lines and contemporary aesthetic.
For more theater seat manufacturerinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.