In ancient Greek theatre, a building behind the playing area that was originally a hut in which actors changed masks and costumes.
It eventually became the scenic backdrop for the drama. First used с 465 BC, the skene was a small wooden structure facing the circle of spectators. It developed into a two-story edifice decorated with columns, with three doors used for entrances and exits. It was flanked by wings ( paraskēnia ). By the end of the 5th century BC, the wooden skene was replaced by a permanent stone structure. In the Roman theatre it was an elaborate building facade.