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When live music accompanies theater performances, the musicians usually play in an orchestra pit, which is below and in front of the stage.

ensemble could range from just a few musicians to a full-blown orchestra. The musicians would often play in the orchestra pit, a section of the theater that is normally in front of the stage, but below the stage level. Orchestras could provide full-scale performances as background music or alongside singers in an opera, or they might provide simple incidental music during a play or comedy performance. Orchestra use was common in opera houses, for pantomimes, and for other Broadway-style productions. During operas and other performances, it was normal to see instruments such as flutes, oboes, drums, pianos and violins in the pit orchestra.

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Stage and Screen