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A '''theatre''' is a place (usually a permanent building) where [[play]]s and other performances are conducted. The word '''theatre''' can also describe, in general, anything related to what happens in a theatre. For example: ''Suzanne has run off and joined the theatre!'' or ''Robert's heart was always drawn to theatre.''

==Theatre (building)==
A stage, often raised, was the focal point in a theatre. This can be on one end of the theatre, or in the center in the case of [[amphitheatre]]s. This stage would be well-lit by natural light during the day, and well-lit by [[fire]]light and [[candle]]light by night. A stage might have trapdoors to aid in special effects or movement of props or [[actor]]s during a performance.

Theatres had seating (or lack thereof) organized by [[social class]]es. The poor were often left standing at ground level in an area center and close to the stage. Raised and balconey seating that ringed the interior of the theatre was available to [[nobility]] or those that could afford it.

Famous [[period]] theatres are the [[Globe Theatre]] constructed in 1599 in [[London]], [[England]] and the [[Coliseum]] contructed in 70 AD in [[Rome]], [[Italy]].

==Theatre ([[arts]])==
Performing arts performed in a theatre included [[sing]]ing, plays (tragedies and comedies), [[music]]al performances and many others. In [[ancient]] and [[classical]] times, combat and [[gladiator|gladiatorial]] contests and displays occurred in the theatre. [[Painter]]s, [[sculptor]]s and other [[artist]]s were also employed in stage design and stage decoration.

== External Links ==
* [http://moas.atlantia.sca.org/wsnlinks/index.php?action=displaycat&catid=37 Atlantian A&S Links: Theatre, Drama, and Mumming]

[[category:arts]]