Depending on who you are and what you love your mind went somewhere different when you read the word theater.  Maybe your first thought was movie theater seats, or perhaps theater seating on Broadway or a sporting event seat or even general theater seats at comedy shows in Vegas.  Well, I’m here to talk about them ALL and hopefully, eventually start a PSG rating database for all the theaters in the world.  But, I’m going to need YOUR help for that dream to become a reality.

Here is the huge problem with theater seats:  Most theaters in places like New York City, London, Los Angeles and San Francisco were built when humans were on average 4 inches shorter.  Add in the fact that, obviously, we’re much wider as well, and the theater can be an uncomfortable night for us fluffy folks.  My most recent theater experiences have been pretty hairy, sadly.

For instance, I went to London this year to see Harry Potter and The Cursed Child and the Palace Theater.  The theater opened in 1891… so I wasn’t feeling hopeful.  I was determined to get myself an aisle seat, just in case the seats were tight I could lean out and even throw a leg in the aisle.  And, of course, the seats were insanely tight.  Even the average sized humans next to me were complaining that their knees were jammed up against the seat in front of them.  It was pretty awful, but luckily I was able to fit the dang seat, but barely.  I mostly hung one leg out into the aisle and grin and bared the pain.  It sucked, but where there is a will there is a way.

The worst seats I’ve ever sat in though are here in Hawaii, which boggles the mind.  The average Hawaiian is super tall, the most famous among them being King Kamehameha who was over 7 feet tall.  However, the Maui Arts and Cultural center seats are even more painful than a 125 year old London theater.  Nothing,  however, beats the unbearable pain that is the theater seats at Warren & Annabelle’s Magic Show here in Maui.  I was literally folded in half sideways with both of my legs out in the aisle whilst perched on the edge of the seat.  Such an awful night that was for me.  Anyway, I digress.

It can be a huge problem all over which means a lot of fluffy people are staying home and I think that is a bummer.  Like plane seats, though, I can’t imagine it’ll ever change.  I’ve got theater seats for New York City next year and I’m super nervous because I was unable to secure an aisle seat.

Please remember, folks, I am a super fluff, so this won’t be as big of an issue for those of you smaller sized.  Keep in mind I’m a size 28 and I’m 5’7,  so a lot of theater seats are going to be more accommodating for people who are smaller and shorter.  My guest blogger, and Foodventure travel friend, Adrienne, was at the same theatre in London and was ok.  We are built differently and she’s over 5 sizes smaller than me.  So, please don’t be discouraged.

Movie theaters are typically no problem for me, especially if you can lift the arm rest.   It’s been a very long while since I’ve gone to a ballgame, but I d remember very small, hard plastic seats… Typically newer theaters, like in Las Vegas, are built with a bit more space for legs and booties.

I know I’m here for advice, but as of now, the only advice I have is to first do all you can to get the aisle seats.  And second,  if you can,  go with someone who doesn’t mind snuggling into you or even locking arms.  In the meantime, I’d love it if you would send me a message with any theater seat info you have from experience.  I’ll start a guide that hopefully will grow over the years.

Send yours to me to add to official PSG Event Seating Guide!