How many seats does the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre have?

About 1,100 seats, across 2 levels (Orchestra and Balcony). Exact capacity can shift slightly from production to production.

Where is the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre?

242 West 45th Street, in Manhattan's Theater District. It is operated by The Shubert Organization.

What subway stop is closest to the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre?

42 St–Port Authority Bus Terminal (A, C, E trains), about 0.15 miles away; Times Sq–42 St (1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R, W, S trains), about 0.2 miles away.

Does the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre have a mezzanine?

The house has 2 levels: Orchestra and Balcony. Ticket sellers often label the first upper level the “mezzanine” even where the architecture calls it a balcony, so check the seller’s seat map for exact section names.

What was the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre called before?

It has previously been known as the Royale Theatre and the John Golden Theatre.

When did the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre open?

It opened in 1927. Architect: Herbert J. Krapp.

The Broadway House Guide

Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre

Formerly the Royale Theatre and the John Golden Theatre

1,100 seats
2levels
Proscenium stage
Opened 1927

Imani's take

One balcony by design — the builder thought a second tier was too far from the stage, and he was right. Only 168 seats in the front balcony, so those go first. The orchestra is the deep end of this pool: 636 seats.

— Imani Carter, spectacle editor

Where to Sit at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre

Levels, bottom to top: Orchestra → Balcony. A mid-size house. Boxes: several box seats.

Seat count by section — 1,072 fixed seats as broken down in our source; the 1,100 above is the house's listed capacity, which can include standing room and production-specific seating.

Orchestra 636 (59%)
Front balcony 168 (16%)
Rear balcony 252 (24%)
Boxes 16 (1%)

One balcony over the orchestra

Two levels only, so the balcony is the whole upper house — its front rows are some of the best seats in the building for anything with choreography or a big set. The last rows of the orchestra sit under the overhang — fine for a play, a little boxed-in for a big musical.

Where the seats actually are

The largest block is the orchestra, with 636 seats. Only 168 are in the front balcony — the section everybody wants — so those sell first.

About those boxes

Box seats look glamorous and sit at a hard angle to the stage — expect to lose part of the far side of the set. Buy them to be seen, not to see.

Our rule of thumb

For a play, get close and center. For a spectacle, get high and center. Partial-view seats are discounted for a reason — check the seat map before you buy.

Still torn? Carmen's orchestra vs. mezzanine vs. balcony breakdown and our cheap-tickets playbook apply to every house.

Good to Know

Built with one balcony instead of two because the developer thought a second balcony felt too distant
Spanish-style vaulted ceiling with murals by Willy Pogany

Getting There

242 West 45th Street, New York, NY.

ACE42 St–Port Authority Bus Terminal · about 0.15 mi away
1237NQRWSTimes Sq–42 St · about 0.2 mi away

Distances are straight-line from the station's mapped center; big complexes like Times Square have many entrances, some closer. Check the MTA for service changes.

Accessibility

We have no sourced detail on this house’s accessible routes yet. Broadway houses must offer wheelchair and companion seating, and assistive-listening devices are widely available; book accessible seats directly with the official seller or through The Shubert Organization.

Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre FAQ

How many seats does the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre have?: About 1,100 seats, across 2 levels (Orchestra and Balcony). Exact capacity can shift slightly from production to production.
Where is the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre?: 242 West 45th Street, in Manhattan's Theater District. It is operated by The Shubert Organization.
What subway stop is closest to the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre?: 42 St–Port Authority Bus Terminal (A, C, E trains), about 0.15 miles away; Times Sq–42 St (1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R, W, S trains), about 0.2 miles away.
Does the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre have a mezzanine?: The house has 2 levels: Orchestra and Balcony. Ticket sellers often label the first upper level the “mezzanine” even where the architecture calls it a balcony, so check the seller’s seat map for exact section names.
What was the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre called before?: It has previously been known as the Royale Theatre and the John Golden Theatre.
When did the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre open?: It opened in 1927. Architect: Herbert J. Krapp.

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Pack for the Upper Levels

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Sources

Facts checked 2026-10-09. Seat counts are approximate and can change with each production's configuration. The opinions are Broadway Show Girls'; spot an error?Tell us.