If you’re a life long theatre lover, then you’ve probably been to see dozens of shows in your time: everything from Cats to Beauty And The Beast.
But theatre is a strange business, and the industry has many secrets that the average theatre-goer doesn’t know. Let’s take a look at all the bizarre things you never knew about the theatre.
Los Angeles Has Its Own Broadway
If you thought that New York had a monopoly on Broadway theatre, then think again: Los Angeles has its own version with practically the same shows. What’s more, Broadway in Los Angeles is home to more than twelve movie palaces in a six-block area and is the first and largest historic theatre district in the US. Theater tickets for LA shows are available online.
Theatre Shows Can Cost Up To $500,000 Each
If you thought the theatre was a spectacular experience, you weren’t wrong. According to data from production companies, some shows can cost more than $100,000 per performance, with the most expensive at over half a million.
A lot of the cost is eaten up by performers’ fees and the cost of renting out theatres in prime districts. But who would have thought that it could be THAT expensive to put on a show?
Stall Seats Are Named After Horse Stalls
Back in the early days of theatre, performances were often so popular that the only way for people to watch them was by standing at the back. Theatres used to dedicate space for standing room only, calling these areas stalls after horse stalls because people just stood there like horses. It was only when people demanded better accommodation from theatres that many decided to put up their prices and offer seating all around. However, the term “stall” remained and is still used to describe accommodation at the back of venues to this day.
It Takes About 50 Backstage Crew To Operate The Average Performance
Many Broadway musicals feature dozens of individual performers, but did you know that there is an equal number backstage? The average show requires about 50 active support staff doing everything from lighting to music to stage direction.
It Takes A Year To Create A New Show
Depending on your perspective, taking a year to create a show is either a long time or no time at all. The first part of creating a musical is for a writer to come up with a general concept for a show. The show will then go through several stages, and composers will create a musical score. After about 12 months, rehearsals are ready to begin, and the musical is shown to the public.
Those Chimes You Can Hear During The Interlude Tell You To Find Your Seat
What are those chimes that you hear every time you go and see a show at the theatre? Unless it’s the fire alarm, you’re probably listening to a polite alert telling you that it’s time to return to your designated seating. Chimes in the lobby area ask you to finish up with buying refreshments: it’s time to get on with the show.
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