Ancient Theater trivia
Ancient Theater Mini Quiz
Test your knowledge with these top questions!
As the patron of wine and religious ecstasy, which Greek god was honored during major theatrical festivals in Athens?
The Theatre of Dionysus in Athens held 17,000 people, and plays were performed as religious offerings. The festival was so important that prisoners were released on bail to attend.
Named for the Greek performer who first stepped out of the chorus, what term is used today for an actor?
The term "Thespian" comes from Thespis, the first person to step out of the Greek chorus and portray a character. He is also said to have invented the theatrical tour.
Ancient Greek actors wore what items with exaggerated expressions to help distant audiences identify characters and project sound?
Ancient Greek theatre masks had large, open mouths that acted like megaphones. They also allowed a small cast of three actors to play every role in the play by switching masks.
Originally a wooden building used for costume changes, which part of the ancient theater gave us the modern word "scene"?
The word "scene" comes from the Greek "skene," originally just a tent where actors changed costumes. It eventually evolved into a permanent building that served as the backdrop.
Named for a crane that lowered a god onto the stage, what Latin phrase now refers to an unexpected plot resolution?
Meaning "god from the machine," this refers to the crane used to lower actors playing gods. Today, it describes a lazy plot device where a problem is fixed by a miracle.