the opera house is big enough for an audience of 1,925. one unusual thing is the orchestra pit, which is right under the stage, covered by a hood, so that the orchestra cannot be seen at all by the audience. wagner wanted the audience to be able to concentrate properly on the action on the stage instead of being distracted by watching the orchestra. it makes it very difficult for the orchestra and the singers to be together, and conductors have to get used to the problem.