ORCHESTRA, in the Grecian theatres, was that part of the proscenium or stage where the chorus used to dance. In the middle of it was placed the Asylyon or pulpit. The orchestra was semicircular, and surrounded with seats. In the Roman theatres it made no part of the scena, but answered pretty nearly to the pit in our playhouses, being taken up with seats for senators, magistrates, vestals, and other persons of distinction. The actors never went down into it. See THEATRE.