What Type of Stages Were Used in Greek Theatre?

Greek Theatre|Theater

Greek theatre was an important part of Ancient Greek culture, and it is considered to be the first form of theatre in the world. It was created in the 6th century BC, and it was so influential that many of the conventions and elements we associate with modern theatre were first developed in ancient Greece. One of these elements is the use of different types of stages in Greek theatre.

The most common type of stages used in ancient Greek theatre were proscenium stages, which are also known as picture frames. This type of stage had a proscenium arch that framed the action taking place on stage, much like a picture frame.

The audience would watch the action from one side, while the performers performed on a raised platform in front of them. This type of stage allowed for more naturalistic movements by actors and better visibility for audiences.

The other type of stage used in ancient Greek theatre was a skene. This type of stage had a large building at the back which served as a backdrop for performances.

It could be used to store props and costumes, or to provide additional space for actors to move around on stage. The skene also had doors that could open up to reveal new settings or characters.

The third type of stage used in ancient Greek theatre was an orchestra. This was a circular area at the front where musicians would play music and accompany actors during their performances. The orchestra also served as an area where actors could perform their choral pieces.

Conclusion: In Ancient Greece, three types of stages were commonly used – proscenium stages (or picture frames), skenes, and orchestras. Each type had its own purpose and allowed for different kinds of performances to take place on stage, making Ancient Greek theatre one of the most influential forms of performance art ever created.