Greek theatre

An open-air theatre constructed by the ancient Greeks; usually built on a hillside, with no outside façade. The orchestra, on which the actors and chorus performed, was a full circle; behind it was the skene, a temporary or permanent building for the actors’ use. In the classic theatre, the seating area (around and facing the orchestra) usually occupied approximately three-fifths of a circle. Also see Roman theatre. (Harris, 1977)