Theatre is a performing art that typically incorporates a visual component and has been utilized for amusement purposes for millennia. One of the most renowned venues pivotal to uniting Romans for entertainment was the Colosseum which, despite its current state of ruins, stands as a testament to the thriving culture of the Roman Empire. Indeed, Rome in the 6th century BCE is regarded as the earliest instance of theatre in the "western world". Theatre is a distinctive art form in that it can amalgamate various art forms in a single theatrical production. A multitude of artists can partake in the array of intricate elements that may be involved in a theatre production, including costume and set designers, musicians, actors, and playwrights.

It can also assume diverse manifestations such as puppetry, dance, circuses, magic shows, or dramas.