As we know the origins of theatre trace back to 6th century B.C. in Ancient Greece. This still very pivotal era for theatrical development was more than 2500 years ago. Early performances were simplistic, often involving a single actor and a chorus. The actors had to project their voices across vast spaces, relying solely on the natural acoustics provided by the architectural design of theatres. Mathematics where able to create acoustics spaces  to carry the voice out to the top rows. More complex plays led to development of the skēnē, the structure at the back of a stage where actors could exit and change. Plays began to have props such as masks, evolving to costumes and a set pieces like ekkyklêma, a wheeled platform to bring back the dead. 
    Theatre art saw the rise and fall of Roman and medieval performance styles, then a rebirth of classical forms during the Renaissance. As well as the development of new ones like opera, Commedia dell’arte and Elizabethan and Jacobean drama, the classic of Shakespeare was born. Scenography got more formalized with the development of perpective, gaining further complexity through the work of artists. 
   During the First Industrial Revolution (mid-18th to mid-19th century) the general industry started to mechanize and the factory system grew. This economic transformation led to the rise of a new middle class, a group with both the disposable income and leisure time to indulge in cultural pursuits.  This era of technical revolution wasn’t just about industrial advancements but also about the technical aspects of art and thought, leading to a emphasized reason, structure, and a return to perceived classical forms in the arts. It changed the theatre by shifting it from rural to urban centers, to the construction of large commercial theaters in cities. The Second Industrial Revolution (mid-19th to early 20th century) introduced several technological advancements, such as the widespread use of electricity. The 19th century introduced limelight, which could be manipulated with lenses and reflectors to focus and direct light more effectively. Another critical development of this period was the expansion of transportation systems such as railroads. This made it easier for theatre companies to tour and reach wider audiences. With more diverse audience, new genres materialized. There during these a periods of significant technical and social changes neoclassical theather started to emerge. There was a rise of sentimental comedy, pantomime and melodrama, culminating in the large, professionally-run, and technologically-advanced theaters of the 19th-century. 
    After this Scenography started to evolve from flat, two-dimensional backdrops to immersive, three-dimensional sets, influenced by advancements in technology and changing social expectations. Key advancements include the use of electric lighting, there was a rise of scenographers who saw light as an integral part of the drama, leading to a holistic, multi-sensory approach to stage design that includes light, sound, and costume. Then became emergence of cinema. 
Now we are living in the new third technical revolution: the digital. The ongoing transformation from analog and mechanical technologies to digital ones began in the latter half of the 20th century. The reality where pleasure and leisure revolve around digital forms. How does it affect acting and dramaturgy or the technical set industry? The new era brings a generational crisis within. Young people of the world who consume screentime more than ever, with the equipment and entertainment at their fingertips, going on venue becomes a threshold issue. Will they become adults who are not used to going to the theatre? Meanwhile the government has a negative attitude towards culture as fundings are being cut. The theater’s profit-oriented funding is based on serving the audience that already goes to the theater. A difficult starting point in a situation when trying to find a new audience among the youth.
Advanced technology also has a huge prize tag on it. Today’s theatres incorporate sophisticated technologies including advanced lighting systems and sound amplification. Lighting technology alone has also undergone significant transformations. From the open-roof designs for natural light, through invention of the light bulb, to LED technology and advanced electrical systems allow for precise adjustments in brightness, colour, and patterns. Sound effects and music no longer need to create these elements from scratch since all is online. Modern microphone technology of tiny hidden mics connected to advanced sound systems with speakers strategically positioned around the theatre to provide a clear and balanced sound. Compared to the historical fact of the amphitheaters were built built using sophisticated principles of geometry just for the sound. Props and set making utilize automation, 3D printing and CNC. These enhance the visual and auditory experience of the crowd but also expand creative possibilities for set and costume designers. Moreover, the integration of digital technologies such as projection mapping and augmented reality has opened new avenues for creating immersive environments on stage. These tools blurring the lines between reality and theatrical illusion allow for dynamic backgrounds and special effects that were unimaginable in earlier eras. The evolution of theater technics has seen a dramatic shift from traditional manual methods to advanced, digital systems in short time. Unfortunately what comes to materialization less and less set pieces are made in the theatres and produced cheaper outside. In-house workshops are decaying. Non ethical online shops like Temu are being used. The industry’s workforce is in transition, digitalisation is reducing the need for labour. Growth driven attitude with less money means more pollution, more class differences, more poverty, more non ethical labour and modern slavery globally.  And here I am, the tormented scenic artist. 

Sources:

Suomalaista teatteria koettelee sukupolvinen kriisi | Tampereen korkeakouluyhteisö

The Impact of the Industrial Revolutions on Theatre in the West – Theatre Haus

How Technology Has Changed The Theatre

Greek Theater: Sets, Props, and Scene Elements by Francis Nguyen on Prezi