1. From Tradition to Modernization
Ancient Roman Theater
From Tradition to Modernization

2. Rome
Rome was founded in 750 BC and was ruled by kings (Emperors) for 200 years!
In 500 BC the kings were overthrown, and the REPUBLIC was formed- lasted 500 years
Theater appeared in Rome in 200 BC- being influenced by Greek Theater
THE PUNIC WARS- introduced theater to Rome

3. Roman Theater ROMAN THEATER FOCUSED ON COMEDY
ROMAN THEATER HONORED THE GOD JUPITER
Quick question- Which god did Greek Theater honor?

4. Roman Coliseum Built in 80 AD It is still standing today!
It was built as an ampitheater

5. The 3 Playwrights
Only the works of 3 playwrights survive from Roman Theater today:
The comedies of Plautus
The comedies of Terence
The tragedies of Seneca

6. Roman Government
Roman Theater WAS UNDER CONTROL OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT
THE GOVERNMENT WOULD HIRE AN ACTING TROUPE

7. How the Acting Troupe worked
The DOMINUS was the head of the troupe- usually the lead actor
He took care of all the financial affairs, scheduling, got costumes, etc.
TROUPES HAD AT LEAST 6 MEMBERS- ALL MALE
Troupe members were valued for TYPE CASTING, not versatility

8. The Troupe Type Casting- the ability to play JUST ONE ROLE very well
Example: some actors can ONLY play horror movie characters well- AND THAT’S ALL

9. Roman Acting
ROMAN ACTING FOCUSED ON PANTOMIME, PHYSICAL GESTURES, and BEAUTIFUL VOCAL DELIVERY
Quick Question- what did pantomime actors do? Did they use their voices to act?

10. The Roman theater The Roman theater had 3 units:
Cavea- a sloped seating area for the audience
Orchestra- the stage
Scaena- a stagehouse (where actors got dressed)

11. Roman theater Had a seating capacity of 25,000
Sometimes the ORCHESTRA was reserved for Government officials or flooded for Ocean scenes
The stage was as small as 110 x 20 ft or as big as 300 x 40 ft

12. The end of it all ROMAN THEATER FELL APART DUE TO
THE FALL OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE
THE RISE OF CHRISTIANITY

13. Exit slip- Roman theater scavenger hunt
Use your notes and a partner to find the answers to the following questions:
1. Which God was Roman theater honoring? Which God from Greek Theater did he resemble?
2. Who was the DOMINUS, and what did he do?
3. Name the 3 parts of the Roman Theater Building.
4. Who are the 3 playwrights from the Roman Era who have surviving plays?
5. Why do you believe that the rise of Christianity had to do with the fall of Roman Theater? HINT- think about the Gods related to Greek and Roman theater