1. A short history of theatre
Drama
A short history of theatre

2. Greek Theatre

3. Greece Began as worship / festival for Dionysus
Is the foundation of all theatre today
Typically had 3 actors on stage at a time
Used masks to help project voice and image
Mainly performed comedy and tragedy
Unity of time, place and action.
Time means actual time on stage = real time. (no “later”)
Place means only one location used
Action means only action that promotes story used
The Chorus helped to narrate the story

4. Greek Masks

5. Greek Terms
Orchestra: The circular, level space where the chorus would sing, dance, and interact with the actors
Theatron (Theatre): Where the spectators sat.
Skene (Scene): The decorated "tent" behind the stage.
Prologue: Spoken introduction before the chorus appears. Gives background.
Thespian: Thespis is the first to break from the chorus and become an actor (world’s 1st actor). So a Thespian is an actor – a term still used today.
Tragedy: Comes from Greek word "traegos" which means goat song. Greek tragedy involves a hero with a tragic flaw.
Trilogy: Three tragedies centered around one theme
…And many, many more terms we still use today.

6. Other Additions Opera Musicals
Lighting and stage production improvements

7. From Stage to Film
Early movies reflect many of the same ideas of theatre
The “3 act play” is still reflected in many of the movies of today
Many actors, directors or producers work in stage, film and television.

8. Review Know the basics of Greek theatre
Understand the Greek terms still used today
Orchestra
Skene
Tragedy
Trilogy
Thespian
Theatre
Chorus