The earliest of Greek theatre's dates back to not long before 300 B.C.. The theatre itself was a large open-air structure consisting of three parts. Its original and central element was a level circle; some ninety feet in diameter called the orchestra (which means "dancing place") where the chorus performed. Outside one arc of the circle was a low rectangular building called skene or tent, the actors usually made there entrances and exits through and in it they changed their costumes and masks; eventually its front was decorated with simple paintings- whence the word "scenery". Rising from the circle of the orchestra was an auditorium of many tiers of stone seats, in sections divided by transverse passages. (Greek Drama, 11). The audience -area was r

ocky and irregular and not much is known about how much seating was constructed (the surviving stone dates from not long before 300B.C.). An audience number of 14,000 has become canonical; but it might have been possible to cram something more like 20,000. There is some evidence of actors putting up temporary wooden stages. A few permanent theatres, outside attica, go back to the 5th century, most notably Syracuse and Corinth, and during the next century more and more cities built one (Taplin, 18).

The individual who judged plays were individuals whose favor could often be swayed by audience response. As stated before the audience was moderately large. If people disliked what was being presented to them they might interrupt it by mocking the actors or throwing food. The people might also beat the wooden or stone benches with their hands. With this embarrassing possibility at stake, playwrights might flatter them with a gift in the beginning of the play. Although it was difficult to gain audience support at times, it may have been an easier task than gaining the people's attention. The large crowds were very loud and probably did not notice when the actor first stepped onstage. In order to quiet the

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