The St George Theatre in Staten Island, New York is a historic and grand venue that originally opened in 1929. Determining the exact seating capacity of the St George Theatre requires looking into the history and architectural plans for the building.
Quick Answer
The total seating capacity of the St George Theatre is 2,800 seats. This includes both the orchestra and mezzanine levels of the auditorium.
History of the St George Theatre
The St George Theatre was designed by renowned theater architect Eugene DeRosa and constructed in 1929. The lavish interior and ornate design made the venue a popular place for vaudeville shows, Broadway productions, silent films, concerts, and other live entertainment throughout the 20th century.
In the 1970s, the popularity of large ornate theaters declined and the St George Theatre fell into disrepair. After being shuttered for over three decades, the theater underwent a major $20 million renovation and restoration to bring it back to its original glory. It reopened in 2004 and once again became an active venue for major concerts and performances.
Original Design and Construction
When the St George Theatre originally opened in 1929, it was advertised as having a seating capacity of 2,672 seats. This number comes from original blueprints and records from the construction of the building. The auditorium featured 1,692 seats in the orchestra level and an additional 980 seats in the spacious mezzanine balcony above.
The interior design provided wide, comfortable seats with unobstructed views of the stage. No pillars or posts obstructed sightlines and the auditorium’s acoustics were specially designed to amplify sound throughout the venue. Patrons entered through grand marble lobbies and could relax in the elegant lounges and smoking rooms.
Renovation and Restoration
After sitting vacant and neglected for over 30 years, the St George Theatre underwent a complete renovation starting in 2004 by the not-for-profit Richmond Dance Ensemble. Great care was taken to restore the interior decor and renovate the auditorium to modern standards while preserving its historic architecture and design.
Upgrades were made to seating, lighting, and stage equipment. Accessibility and egress improvements were added for ADA compliance. A new sound system and theatrical rigging were installed while retaining the original ornate plasterwork.
According to updated architectural plans and the St George Theatre’s official website, the renovated auditorium now contains 1,566 orchestra seats and 1,238 mezzanine seats for a new total seating capacity of 2,800.
Configuration of the Seating
The seating in the St George Theatre auditorium is arranged in a classic theater configuration with orchestra seating on the main level and balcony mezzanine seating above:
Orchestra Seating
The 1,566 seat orchestra section is arranged on the main floor in front of the stage. It contains:
- Center orchestra seating in 24 rows (A through X)
- Left and right orchestra wing sections in 24 rows
- Left and right box seats in 4 rows on each side of the stage
The orchestra level has wide, spacious seating rows with comfortable leg room. No pillars obstruct views of the stage. Seats are upholstered for comfort and have small folding armrests.
Mezzanine Seating
The 1,238 seat mezzanine balcony contains:
- Front center mezzanine seating in 16 rows (A through P)
- Left and right side mezzanine sections in 16 rows
- Shallow loge boxes on each side
The mezzanine is supported by vaulted arches over the orchestra level below. Although elevated, the mezzanine sightlines provide direct views of the stage. Seating is less spacious than the orchestra level but offers an affordable ticket option.
Total Capacity
Adding together the total number of seats gives the St George Theatre the following overall seating capacity:
- Orchestra seating: 1,566 seats
- Mezzanine seating: 1,238 seats
- Total: 2,800 seats
This means the renovated St George Theatre can accommodate over 2,800 patrons for any given performance or event. The luxurious space and ornate gold-trimmed architecture make it one of the grandest venues on Staten Island.
Use as a Concert and Events Venue
Having a seating capacity of nearly 3,000 makes the St George Theatre well-suited to hosting large-scale concerts, theatrical productions, and entertainment events. Some examples of shows at the theater include:
- Concerts by artists like Aretha Franklin, Tony Bennett, and the Gipsy Kings
- Comedy acts by Jerry Seinfeld, Jim Gaffigan, and John Oliver
- Musicals and plays like The Producers, Hairspray, and A Bronx Tale
- Family events like Disney on Ice and the Nutcracker ballet
- Movies with live orchestra like the Harry Potter Film Concert Series
The large 2,800 seat capacity allows major touring productions, entertainers, and acts to perform at the St George Theatre. The venue is also available for corporate events, galas, and private rentals.
Conclusion
As a historic 1929 vaudeville palace meticulously restored for the 21st century, the magnificent St George Theatre contains an auditorium with 2,800 seats. These are arranged in a 1,566 seat orchestra and 1,238 seat mezzanine balcony for optimal viewing of the wide stage. The theater’s seating capacity, grand interior, and perfect acoustics make it an ideal venue to host major concerts, shows, and entertaining performances on Staten Island.