Greek theater set the stage for all western theater to follow. The dramatic form known as climactic structure evolved during the classical era. The tragedies of Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides established a standard for all subsequent tragedy, while Aristophanes did the same for comedy, poking fun at contemporary political, social, and cultural events. In addition, Aristotle's Poetics marked the development of serious critical consideration of drama and theater.

Classical Greek theater buildings were huge outdoor spaces built into hillsides which accommodated audiences attending religious festivals. The performers, all of whom were males, included the one to three actors playing the central characters as well as a chorus of twelve to fifty. The chorus was an integral element of all classical Greek drama and theater.

Major changes took place during the later Hellenistic period. New Comedy, which was concerned with domestic and romantic situations, replaced Aristophanes's Old Comedy.

The Romans borrowed many Greek conventions but modified them so that they became uniquely Roman, emphasizing domestic and romantic comedies by playwrights such as Plautus and Terence. The tragedies of Seneca are noteworthy because of their influence on later playwrights.

Roman plays usually took place in huge outdoor buildings that, unlike Greek theaters, were freestanding structures. The most significant elements were the ornate facade of the stage house and the huge, raised stage.