Greek Theater Terms

All terms

Theatron

Seating area for spectators

Orchestra

Flat circular area where the actors perform

Parados

Large entrances where people enter the theater

Skene

The backstage

Mechane

Shows that someone has died

Ekkykleme

Large cranes that lower and raise actors

Pinakes

Scenery painted on boards

Periaktois

A triangle prism that could be rotated to change scenery

Properties

Props

Chorus

People who describe the action of the play

Tragedy

A drama depicting a hero or heroine’s downfall, usually because of a tragic flaw.

Drama

A literary composition written to be performed by actors.

Comedy

A drama that is described by happy endings and focuses on the laughable actions of ordinary or inferior people

Satyr Plays

Short plays between the acts of tragedies

Dithyramb

A song about the death & resurrection of Dionysus

Thespian

An actor

Thespis

Considered the first actor

Deus ex machine

A story wrapper or a closing.

Catastrophe

A bad thing or event