Vienna Orchestra

Whats the difference between orchestra and pit?

I bought some tickets for a comedy show, and they are in the "pit" as opposed to the "orchestra" section of the theater. What's the difference? When I look at a layout of the theater's seating chart theres no "pit" marked anywhere.

Public Comments

1. The pit is usually where the orchestra sits during a musical theatre performance. Perhaps you have seats where they've added them up front?
2. pit is usually the lower area infront of the stage.
3. This certainly an odd way to designate the seat. Usually on floor level is called 'stalls' and Upstairs is the 'Balcony'. The 'Pit' is usually where the ensemble sits, when playing for an opera/ballet/cabaret. Sounds like this theatre may have utilized the 'pit' section to add extra seats. These would definitely be at the very front of the stage (which can be challenging if the comedy is of the 'physical' type)
4. The orchestra pit is the area between the stage and the front row where the musicians sit and perform. It is designated as a pit because it is lower than the main floor. Some cheaper seats have been located in the pit.
5. The "Pit" is about 5 to 10 feet away from the Lip of the Stage, and about 10 feet below it. Sounds good, yes? NOOOOOO! The Pit is below the level of the stage. You cannot see Jack from the Pit (Correction: You can see feet.). That is the idea: The Pit is for musicians. They do not care what goes on on the stage. They just play. If you are one of the ones that delights in watching a comedian's feet, and looking upward at his/her crotch, I would advise you to snap up as many tickets as you can.