how did it begin?
Traveling groups sang about Greek mythology. So playwrights decided to write down stories with these songs in a way that they could be preformed for an audience. The playwright would act out his play by himself. Eventually they added a second, then a third was added by the playwright Sophocles.
play competitions:
They were held at the Theater of Dionysus in Athens. Three playwrights were chosen to preform three tragedies and 1 satire. These competitions lasted three days, because each playwright would preform their four plays in a day. After they were all preformed a winner was chosen and a cash prize was rewarded.
amphitheater
![Picture](/uploads/1/5/2/3/15236610/650715.jpg?1)
An outdoor stadium that sits around 3,000 spectators.
Theatron- "seeing place" a half or semi circle area made of either wooden or stone benches that was usually placed on a hillside or a slope so that the patrons looked down at the play being preformed.
Orchestra- a flat circular area where the Chorus stood. Separated from the audience by a stone retaining wall. In the center of the Orchestra was the Thymele.
Skene- Flat roofed building temporarily constructed of would, but later became permanent. Located across the rear of the orchestra circle. Used as a dressing area for actors. Chorus members were not allowed to enter the Skene. It was decorated to look like the setting of the play being preformed.
Theatron- "seeing place" a half or semi circle area made of either wooden or stone benches that was usually placed on a hillside or a slope so that the patrons looked down at the play being preformed.
Orchestra- a flat circular area where the Chorus stood. Separated from the audience by a stone retaining wall. In the center of the Orchestra was the Thymele.
Skene- Flat roofed building temporarily constructed of would, but later became permanent. Located across the rear of the orchestra circle. Used as a dressing area for actors. Chorus members were not allowed to enter the Skene. It was decorated to look like the setting of the play being preformed.