Orchestra pit

The conductor or director typically stands at the front of the orchestra pit facing the stage.

[1] Many orchestra pits are also designed to feed back reasonably low decibel levels, allowing musicians to work without fears of hearing damage.

Typically, a small platform in the pit accommodates the conductor, so that they can be seen by all of the musicians, who may be seated on chairs or on bleachers.

This is common when the stage is being used for a rock show and the pit area is wanted for standing room.

[1] Earlier in theatre history from 1500–1650, the orchestra pit was also called the yard, and it served as a lower level that lower-class members of the audience would stand on to watch the show.