2. History of Greek Theater Greek theater was originally a way to honor the god, Dionysus. People told myths by singing and dancing out their stories together as a chorus.

3. History Cont. The first greek tragedy was created when a dionysiac priest named Thespis, acted out a myth instead of singing.

4. Who went to the theater? Admission was free to anyone, and the theater could hold up to 14,000 people. The crowd was often loud and unruly.

5. Famous Tragedians Thespis is considered the first tragedian, for acting out the myth with dialogue. Other famous tragedians include: Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, and Aristophanes.

6. How they were performed Many Greek plays had one or two actors with dialogue and a chorus. Only Men were allowed to be actors.

7. How they were performed cont. Actors wore exaggerated costumes and masks to show what character they were. No Violence was allowed on stage.

8. Contests surrounding theatre Playwrights whose plays would be performed during the festival for dionysus were picked in a contest.

9. MLA http://www.ancientgreece.com/s/Theatre/ http://www.cartage.org.lb/en/themes/arts/architec/an cientarchitectural/greekarchitecture/greekbuilding/th eater.htm http://www.cartage.org.lb/en/themes/arts/architec/an cientarchitectural/greekarchitecture/greekbuilding/th eater.htm http://www.greektheatre.gr/cont.html