Orchestra pit

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For a type of orchestra, see pit orchestra.

The orchestra pit sandwiched between the stage and the seating of the New York State Theater.

An orchestra pit is the musicians' area in a theater for traditional performance styles such as Opera. In some cases, part or all of the pit sits on a mechanical lift which can raise the floor to the level of the stage deck. Often an orchestra pit will be equipped with a removable pit cover which provides safety by eliminating the steep drop off from the stage and also increases the available acting area above. In most cases, some sort of lattice or sound port is built into the front of the orchestra pit, to allow audience members in the front rows to hear the music while retaining a wall which separates them from the orchestra.

In marching ensembles such as drum and bugle corps, the pit refers to the front ensemble, a section of stationary percussion instruments located at the front of the performance area.