Greek Theater
Alex Moore
Steven Starks
Joey Roberts
Alex Hugaurd
Background of Theater
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The first time that theater was written and
performed was around 500 - 300 BC. during
Athens the golden age.
Plays were written for a yearly festival, in honor
of the god Dionysus, and were either Comedies
or Tragedies.
Greek Masks
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All the actors played multiple roles
so a mask was used to show the
change in character and mood.
Usually the masks were made of
linen, wood, or leather
A marble or stone face was used as
a mould for the mask.
Human or animal hair was also
used.
The eyes were fully drawn but in
place of the pupil there was a small
hole so the actor could see.
Structure of the Theater
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The Geek Theater played
a major role in the Greek
civilization.
People would meet here
and enjoy the festivities
for many hours.
Structure of the Theater Cont.
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Orchestra: The orchestra
was a big circle. It was a stage
where the chorus would
dance, sing, and relate with
the actors who were on the
stage.
Theatron: The theatron is
where the audience would sit.
The theatron was part of a
hillside overlooking the
orchestra, and be around a
part of the orchestra, this
structure would make it
easier for people to hear.
Structure of the Theater Cont.
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Skene: The skene was a
building directly behind the
stage. It had at least one set
of doors, and actors could
make entrances and exits
through them.
Parodos: The parodoi are
the paths that the chorus and
some actors made their
entrances and exits.
First Actors
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Thespsis was the first Greek
actor
I am Thespsis.
Actor called the hyprocrites
All actors were also all male
Another name that soon
evolved was Protagonist
http://www.thespiannet.com
/ , and
http://yankeethespian.homes
tead.com/
Special Effects in Greek Theater
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The theater had one special effect, which was floating
There would be a crane and it would be attatched to the actor
and make them appear to “float”
Lighting, background changes, curtains, and sounds were
unavailable to the Greeks
Instead, all special effects had to be done through the script
Murder, sex, natural disasters, suicide, and battles all took place
offstage
Messengers then reported the results
Given the practical constraints, this was the only sensible way of
doing business
Work Cited
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Steven Starks: Theater Structure
Title: Ancient Greek Theater Author: Walter Englert
URL: http://academic.reed.edu/humanities/110Tech/Theater.html#Theaters
Information: This page is designed to provide a brief introduction to Ancient
Greek Theater, and to provide tools for further research.
Last Updated: N/A
Apply to Me: Gives me the information about the Greek Theater.
Used Info: I used all the information that I needed to give me the right knowledge.
Pages: I looked through only one page of this site.
Fact or Opinion: This site is only stating facts about the structure of the Greek
Theater.
Date Accessed: 2/15/05
Alex Moore: Masks
Title: Ancient Greek Theatre Author: Ellie Crystal
URL: http://www.crystalinks.com/greektheater.html
Information: This site was used to give the reader basic knowledge of Greek masks
Last Updated: N/A
Apply to Me: Gives information about Greek Masks
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Title of Site and author’s name (if any): Ancient Greek Theatre
URL of Site: http://www.perspicacity.com/elactheatre/library/greektheatre/index.html#Thespis
Concise description of Site’s information: The information on this site talks about the origins of
Greek theatre and everything that makes up Greek theatre such as amphitheaters and the famous
people.
The date the site was last updated. 2003
How does the information on this site apply to your research? I used the information on the
Thespsis who created the first actor, Hipocrites.
What information will you use from this site and what is its relevance? Thespis of Attica added an
actor who interacted with the chorus. This actor was called the protagonist, from which the
modern word protagonist is derived, meaning the main character of a drama. The word thespian,
meaning actor, also derives from Thespis
How many pages did you look through on this site? 1
Is this web site presenting factual information or opinion? If opinion, does, the author of the
information offer a balanced opinion, or does the material show bias? Factual Information
Date you accessed the site February 15, 2005
Alex Hugaurd: Special Effects in Greek Theater
Title: Greek Tragedy Author: Peter Struck
URL:http://www.classics.upenn.edu/myth/tragedy/theater.php
Information: It gives and abundance of information and not much on special effects
Last Updated: N/A
Apply to Me: Gives enough information on special effects in Greek theater
Used Info: I used all of the information on special effects it had.
Pages: I only used the page that had the special effects info on it
Fact or Opinion: This website has a great amount of information but not an abundance on
special effects