Connor: Hey, Monica, what's up?
Monica: Hey Connor.
Connor: Have you had Mr. Fellers’ class
yet?
Monica: No, not yet.
I love his class; he is the greatest.
I learn so much and have so much fun.
I hear we are talking about Ancient Greek
Theater today.
I can't wait.
Connor: We did!
I won’t spoil it for you, so we won't talk
about it now.
Monica: No, wait!
I would love to hear what you learned.
Connor: Well, did you know that almost 3000
years ago, the ancient Greeks influenced theater
as we know it today?
Monica: Almost 3000 years ago?
That's a long time ago!
Connor: Yeah, that back then, women and girls
were not allowed to be actors.
Monica: Are you kidding me?
I'm glad I wasn't alive back then because
one day I'm going to be a star.
What else did you learn?
Connor: When plays were performed, they were
presented during the day
Monica: That’s because there was no electricity
back then, right?
Connor: Right!
Plays were also performed in religious festivals
honoring the Greek God Dionysius.
He was the God of Wine and Fertility.
Monica: Cool.
What else?
This is so interesting.
Connor: Actors in the time of the ancient
Greeks had to wear masks on stage.
This made it easier to change characters quickly,
and make it easier for men to play females
on stage.
Monica: I hear that the stage back then was
different than today's, is that true?
Connor: That's right, Monica!
You were always so smart.
The theaters in ancient Greek times were open-air
as well as built into hillsides and could
seat as many as 14,000 to 17,000 people.
Monica: Wow!
That the size of a football or baseball stadium!
Imagine, 17,000 people, watching me the big
star!
Connor: That’s not all.
In front of the stage was a large circle on
the ground called the orchestra.
This is where the chorus performed.
Monica: The chorus?
What's that?
Connor: This was a group of young men or boys
who sang and danced much of the action in
Greek plays.
Monica: And, this happened on the orchestra?
Connor: Yes.
Monica: Anything else?
Connor: Well, there was this guy named Thespis.
Monica: Thespis?
Who was he?
Connor: He was a famous playwright and member
of the chorus in the times of ancient Greek
theater.
Monica: Oh!
Connor: One day, he stepped out from the chorus
to recite the first solo lines and thereby
became the first actor.
Today actors are called Thespians in honor
of Thespis and his accomplishments.
Monica: I love being a Thespian!
It's so much fun!
The bell is about to ring- tell me something
else real quick!
This is so interesting.
What kind of plays were performed back then?
Connor: Comedies and dramas just like today.
(The school bell rings) Oh, man, the bell!
I didn't get a chance to eat.
Monica: Me neither.
That’s because the conversation was so interesting.
(Connor and Monica both laugh) Well, I have
Mr. Fellers next.
I can't wait to get there.
I wish I could take his class all day.
Connor: Well, have fun and learn lots.
See you after school.
Bye, Monica, see you later.
(Both exit into the building)
