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Roman theatre borrowed heavily from Greek theatre but added more spectacle, such as gladiatorial contests and naumachiae (sea battles). Comedy and tragedy were popular, and their structures influenced Renaissance theatre greatly.

Ancient Greek theatre is considered the birthplace of Western drama. It evolved from ritual and religious ceremonies into a sophisticated art form. Plays were performed in outdoor amphitheaters, used masks, and had a chorus that commented on the action.

Theater exploded in popularity during the Elizabethan era with the works of playwrights like William Shakespeare. Theaters were open-air, plays were performed in the round, and companies were composed of male actors only.

Medieval European theatre focused on morality plays, miracle plays, and mystery plays, all of which were influenced by church liturgy and served as tools for educating the illiterate masses about Christian ethics and stories from the Bible.

During the Italian Renaissance, theatre saw a revival of classical ideals, the development of the proscenium arch stage, and the elaboration of scenery and stage effects. Commedia dell'arte troupes performed improvised, masked plays.

20th Century experimental theatre sought to break away from traditional theatre conventions. It included movements such as surrealism, absurdism, and the Theatre of the Oppressed, and aimed to create new forms of staging and performance.

French Neoclassical theatre adhered to the unities of time, place, and action, aimed for verisimilitude, and was bound by strict rules of decorum. It produced notable playwrights like Molière, Racine, and Corneille.

Restoration theatre followed the re-opening of theaters after the Puritan ban and the restoration of the monarchy in 1660. It was characterized by satirical comedies, the introduction of actresses, and increased emphasis on scenery and costumes.

Kabuki is a traditional Japanese form of theater that emerged in the early 17th century. It is known for its stylized drama, elaborate makeup, and use of onnagata, or male actors portraying female characters.