Where Did the Audience Sit in Greek Theatre?

Greek Theatre|Theater

Greek theatres were the earliest venues for performance arts in ancient Greece. They were built in open areas with a large seating capacity, allowing audiences to come together to watch theatrical performances.

The theatres were constructed in a semi-circular shape with a sloping area at the front, known as the auditorium or orchestra. This provided an excellent view of the stage and its performers.

The seating arrangements in Greek theatres were highly structured and divided into sections based on social status. The most prestigious seats were located at the front of the theatre, closest to the stage.

These prime spots were reserved for important members of society such as royalty, religious leaders and wealthy citizens. Behind them would be other sections for citizens of lower classes.

The audience would enter through the parodoi, two passageways located on either side of the theatre that led to an opening in the centre of the auditorium. From here, they would ascend rows of stone benches which were divided by two sets of staircases that curved around each other like a double helix. Each row was numbered so that spectators could easily find their seat.

The number and size of Greek theatre seats varied depending on their purpose and location. Most seats were made from limestone blocks and had armrests carved into them for comfort. The stone benches could accommodate between three or four people depending on their size.

Conclusion:

Where did audiences sit in Greek theatre? Audiences would enter through two passageways located on either side of the theatre called parodoi which led to an opening in the centre of the auditorium where they would ascend rows of stone benches divided by two sets of staircases that curved around each other like a double helix. Seating arrangements in Greek theatres were highly structured based on social status with prime seats located at front closest to stage reserved for important members such as royalty, religious leaders and wealthy citizens while other sections accommodated citizens lower classes.