Early theaters originated in Greece in the mid 400s BC and were nestled into hillsides. That provided a natural incline for patrons to sit and take in a performance. This setting was purposely chosen for the angle that gave the entire audience a clear view of the stage.
Theater-styled seating rises progressively from the stage to the back of the venue. Seats can be benches, pews or individual seats like those found in movie theaters. Headrests are primarily only found at cinema seats. Movie theaters and sporting arenas often have their seating on a steeper incline than that found in performing arts venues, and this steeper seating style is frequently referred to as stadium seating.
Visibility for the audience is greatly improved in theater style seating, specifically because the rows in front of you are lower than you are. This decreases your chances of having to lean to the side to take in the action on the stage or screen. Theater-influenced seating also helps the acoustics reach the farthest seats. The seats help create a bowl-like effect that contains the sound within the range of the audience.
In-home theater style seating became popular in homes in the 2000s when flat-screen televisions and surround sound systems became commonplace. Replacing a couch or love seat in your home with theater style seats can complete the living room movie-watching experience. Many of the theater style seats available as of 2010 come complete with cup holders, rocking seat-backs and fold-up seat bottoms.
Theater style seating is frequently used for lectures, weddings and presentations. Also, the world's largest indoor movie theater as of June 2010 is at Radio City Music Hall in New York City and has theater style seating for 5,933 guests.