Theaters

Theaters are venues designed for performances of drama, dance, music, and other live arts, as well as venues for screening films. They typically provide a stage, audience seating, backstage areas, and technical facilities to support lighting, sound, and scenery. The term can refer to the buildings themselves as well as the organizations that produce performances.

Live-theater spaces vary: proscenium theatres present the stage framed by a proscenium arch; thrust theatres place the audience around most of the stage; arena or theatre-in-the-round places seating around all sides; black-box theatres are small, flexible spaces. Movie theaters or cinemas show films and range from single-screen venues to multiplexes.

Architecture and facilities: design focuses on sightlines, acoustics, and circulation. Stage machinery, rigging, fly systems, orchestra pits, and backstage areas support production. Accessibility features, restrooms, lobbies, and concessions are common.

History: Theaters emerged in ancient Greece and Rome, evolved in medieval and Renaissance Europe, and expanded with modern drama and opera. The 19th and 20th centuries saw purpose-built theaters and cinematic venues, followed by multiplexes and specialized performing-arts centers.

Operations and governance: Theaters are run by nonprofit companies, commercial houses, or public institutions. Revenue comes from ticket sales, subscriptions, sponsorships, and grants. Programming is coordinated by artistic directors and producers; safety, labor, and copyright considerations shape operations.