The basic design of a contemporary theater space has changed little since ancient Greece: an elevated stage for actors (logeion), a lower area for a chorus or musicians (orchestra) and a raked seating area for the audience (koilon). These basic elements were perfected by the ancient Greeks to where every seat in the theater was afforded exceptional sightlines and acoustics. A theater in antiquity could hold as many as 20,000 people, which made the structure not only important culturally, but as a social destination as well.

Though based on the principals of Greek theater design, contemporary theaters are designed in a variety of shapes and sizes: some with an imaginary "fourth wall" through which the audience views the performance (e.g., proscenium stages like the Kennedy Center's Opera House, movie theaters); some where the stage is surrounded on multiple sides by the audience (e.g., Shakespeare's Globe Theatre or Arena Stage in Washington DC); and some as experimental "black box" theater where simple performances are held in an otherwise plain room. Indoor venues of these types allowed for better control over lighting and atmosphere, which in turn allowed sets and scenery to be selectively shown or hidden.

Greek theater design is characterized by a stage and a semi-circular "bowl" seating area, usually built into a natural outdoor location (as opposed to Roman amphitheaters, which were circular free-standing structures, like a football stadium). Thanks to later adoption by the Romans, Greek theater design spread across the Mediterranean, the Middle East and Europe long after the fall of ancient Greek civilization.

Opened in Los Angeles, CA in 1922, the Hollywood Bowl seats 17,000 and features a large art deco-inspired acoustic shell, which has been modified or replaced several times. Carved into the naturally concave terrain, seating in the Hollywood Bowl offers a view of the Hollywood Hills.

Though the amphitheatre was dedicated in 1941, performances have been held as far back as 1906 at Red Rocks, located 15 miles west of Denver, Colorado. Built into the rock formations, the 9,450-seat theatre offers a panoramic view of Red Rocks Park and is a popular venue for concerts and events.

Despite stylistic differences, these outdoor performance venues exhibit clear influence of Ancient Greek theatre design.