You take your seat above the orchestra pit with minutes to spare before the play begins, settling onto the threadbare cushion laid over the hard wooden bench. The cheap lower seats lack the shelter of the broad semicircular awning that keeps nobles, merchants, and wealthy craftsmen seated above you from worrying about the rain. You suspect they get better cushions, too.
But that doesn't matter. As an aspiring playwright, the chance to see a new play at the Odeon is worth being crammed into the cheap seats. And your view of the stage is perfect, although you'll have to crane your neck to see the action happening on the godwalk above.
It pays to know actors. Your best friend Diar is in the cast, and not only provided you with a ticket free of charge but promised to formally introduce you to the theater owner and director after the performance. This could be your chance to persuade someone to actually perform your work.