Diagram of a Greek Theater
- Koilon, this is (tiered "steps") of the theater, these where both the steps and the seats.
- http://www.bestofsicily.com/mag/art233.htm
- Diazoma, Horizontal walkway separating upper and lower sections of theater.
- Orchestra, the orchestra was the space between the audience and the stage; primary chorus performance space in Greek theatre
- Stage
- Skene, Building behind the orchestra originally used for storage but provided a convenient backing for performances; corresponds to the Roman scaena or scaenae
- Proskenion, Front wall of the stage; an acting area which projected in front of the skene (proskenion literally means "something set up before the skene"); in Classical Greek theatre, the ground-level portion immediately in front of the skene was used as an acting area; in Hellenistic period, the proskenion was a raised platform in front of the skene; the skene eventually included two levels, a lower level with a roof and the second story skene with openings for entrances.
- http://www.whitman.edu/theatre/theatretour/glossary/glossary.htm
Popular Ancient theaters
- Jerash Theatres
- Odeon of Herodes Atticus
- Roman Theatre of Amman
- Pergamum Theatre
- Roman Theatre of Orange
Costumes
The actors in ancient Greek theatre also have a symbolic significance in a Greek production. When Greek theatre began in a dithyrambous, there were no actors. The poet Thespis was the first to use actors; Aeschylos was the second, and Sophocles was the third. They originally called them hypocrit. The hypocrits were the leading characters. Those in the orchestra were the followers, most commonly know as the chorus. The hypocrits were always men. Female roles were played by males before they hit puberty and before their voices changed.Greek costumes had symbolic meaning.
- Costumes did many things. They showed whether the actor was:Male,Female,Rich,Poor,Preist, any other occupation.
- Also who the actor was trying to portray.
Props
Props where used in the ancient greek theater.Skeuopoios might be defined as a mask-maker, prop-maker, prop manager, or all of the above. Skeue may mean the trappings of an actor, such as equipment, attire, or apparel. Greek theatre used a lot of masks. These were impermanent objects, made of linen, wood or leather, and often included animal or human hair. This was probably the major job of the skeuopoios. If we think in terms of how theatre works today, we can imagine that the skeuopoios would have made other impermanent objects for the theatre. After all, if the theatre hired him to make masks, and they needed another object which could be made with the same skill sets, it would not make sense for them to seek out and hire another craftsman.But none of these artifacts survived , and we only know about them because of the paintings.
Ancient Greek Theaters role in Society
The theater to the Greeks was a very important thing they took it very serious and thought of it a an investigation of society.
There where two major types of dramas .
In ancient Greece, theatre was a really big deal. Crowds of 15,000 people would gather to see a play. Theatre was so important to the ancient Greeks that prisoners would be released from jail temporarily, so they could also attend.
Every town had at least one theatre. The ancient Greeks were always bragging about the wonderful performances in their city-state. The ancient Greeks held drama competitions with winners for playwriting and performing. These competitions were not only held in their own towns, but also in competition with other towns. Theatre was a big, big deal.
http://greece.mrdonn.org/theatre.html
How much did it cost?
The Greek theater did not cost it was open seating and anyone who wanted to attend was fully able to .
There where two major types of dramas .
In ancient Greece, theatre was a really big deal. Crowds of 15,000 people would gather to see a play. Theatre was so important to the ancient Greeks that prisoners would be released from jail temporarily, so they could also attend.
Every town had at least one theatre. The ancient Greeks were always bragging about the wonderful performances in their city-state. The ancient Greeks held drama competitions with winners for playwriting and performing. These competitions were not only held in their own towns, but also in competition with other towns. Theatre was a big, big deal.
http://greece.mrdonn.org/theatre.html
How much did it cost?
The Greek theater did not cost it was open seating and anyone who wanted to attend was fully able to .
By: Shelby Turner
Sources used (citations):
Sources used (citations):
- "14 Ancient Theatres of Greek Roman Antiquity." Tourpia.com. N.p., 22 Mar. 2009. Web. 21 Feb. 2013.
- Phillips, K. "ACTORS IN ANCIENT GREEK THEATRE." ACTORS IN ANCIENT GREEK THEATRE. N.p., 29 Mar. 00. Web. 21 Feb. 2013.
- Hart, Eric. "Prop Agenda." Prop Agenda. N.p., 29 May 2009. Web. 21 Feb. 2013