Development of Scenic Design

From the Renaissance to contemporary times, devoted theater technicians and designers have striven to

improve scenery and light design in an effort to more intensely convey meanings through visual sensations

Greek Theaters

Theater of Dionysus - where theater began. Open air theater.

Greek Theaters

Over many centuries during the Greek era, the structure of theater was seeing a change. During Sophocles’ time, the stage may have looked something like this, with actual painted backdrops.

Greek Theaters

During the Theater of Dionysus, temporary wooden skene were built

Greek Theaters

The theater was further excavated to make a more secure foundation for the wooden seats

Greek Theaters

The theater was broken up into 10 different wedges, or sections, allowing one section to be females only

Greek Theaters

The Odeion was built adjacent to the Theater of Dionysus. The Odeion, or Music Hall, was built soon after Pericles had got rid of his opponent Thucydides (BC442) and was able to indulge more freely his wish to spend public money on splendid structures.

Greek Theaters

Using existing archeology, one could suggest that the roof would have been supported with a forest of columns resulting in a sight-line disaster for at least 40% of the audience

Greek Theaters

Not until the 4th century BC was the Theater of Dionysus rebuilt with stone under the statesman Lycurgus (Ligurgis)

Alexander the Great

By the time Alexander the Great took over the reign of all city states, plays were no longer performed exclusively at Theater of Dionysian festivals

Hellenistic Theaters

Hellenistic Theaters

Hellenistic Theaters

All of these so-called Hellenistic theaters were not built in the classical style of the Dionysian theater of Athens

Alexander the Great

Hellenistic Theaters

The most important renovation of Hellenistic theater was the addition of the raised stage (Lo-hi-in)

Hellenistic Theaters

It’s not sure how this heightened space was used as an acting space

Hellenistic Theaters

Roman Theaters

And then the Romans came…

Roman Theaters

For the third time, the Dionysus theater was fundamentally renovated by Roman emperor Nero is 61 AD

Roman Theaters

Striking differences from the Hellenistic style was the lowered stage with an enlarged surface…

Roman Theaters

…and a heightened Skene

Roman Theaters

The stage was protected by a stone barricade in order to protect the spectators

Roman Theaters

It was built in 75 BC by colonist because they were out of direct reach of the Roman senate, who were opposed to theaters. Theater was deemed a threat to Roman morality.

Roman Theaters

The architecture of Pompey was copied for nearly all future Roman theaters and amphitheaters

Roman Theaters

A huge piece of fabric was stretched over the hole of the auditorium to cover spectators from the sun and rain

Roman Theaters

This first Roman theater was also for centuries the greatest theater in Europe with a seating capacity of 28,000 spectators

Roman Theaters

This lead to a rivalry between military members of Rome. Theaters were now the “in” thing to build…

Medieval

After the Roman era, no permanent theaters were built…

Medieval

…but, the show must go on, right? Pageant Wagons were used for traveling shows performed by guilds. Pageant wagons were wheeled vehicles used in the processional staging of medieval vernacular cycle plays.

Medieval

Renaissance Theaters

Mathematical perspective, which was just discovered in those days, was applied in the scenery in order to enlarge the theatrical illusion.

Renaissance Theaters

How to create this false perspective and depth?

Renaissance Theaters

Renaissance Theaters

The perspective was constructed from the seat of the monarch

Renaissance Theaters

The oldest and still remaining building after the Roman era is the Teatro Olimpico, built by

Renaissance Theaters

Renaissance Theaters

It is miniature Roman theater, brought indoors. Behind the three gates, a permanent false perspective is erected. The rising and narrowing streets create depth. Of course, in these perspective streets, acting is impossible.

Renaissance Theaters

Before the discovery of gas light, the auditorium and scenery was illuminated by torches and hundreds of oil lamps.

Renaissance Theaters

Renaissance Theaters

Consequently, many theaters were destroyed by fire.

Restoration, 18th, 19th, and 20th Century TheatersStarted to look like what we think of

when we see contemporary plays…