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Corral de comedias de Almagro -

All over Spain, they have special theaters effectively called "theatrical courtyards." Comedias in this sense does not mean comedy, but instead a mixture of tragedy, comedy, and drama.

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Corral de comedias de Almagro -

To catch one of these spectacles there is no better place to go than Almagro in Castile-La Mancha, Spain. The International Classical Theatre Festival in Almagro takes place annually, and will definitely satisfy your cultural cravings.

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Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus -

To see a true Greek tragedy there is only one place to do it, and that's in a Greek theater. Epidaurus was an ancient Greek city in Peloponnese, and its famed theater was built there in the 4th century BCE.

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Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus -

Despite its age, it is known as the best-preserved ancient theater in Greece. It can seat up to as many as 14,000 people per performance!

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Arneson River Theatre -

You may recognize this theater from the film 'Miss Congeniality' (2000). It plays host to over 200 performances per year, so plenty of opportunities to catch a show!

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Arneson River Theatre -

This theater is spread over two sides of the San Antonio River in Texas. If you stop by for a performance, you can also visit the lovely town of La Villita nearby.

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Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour -

You wouldn't think this theater is outside! Luckily, the warm Australian climate ensures a comfortable watch. It's situated nearby the famous Sydney Opera House.

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Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour -

The operas are performed by the same company, Opera Australia, as the Sydney Opera House, and so they are always to the highest standard and with incredible set design.

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Minack Theatre -

Not many people would think of Cornwall, England as a good location for outdoor theater performances due to its rainy climate. But the Minack Theatre is beautiful enough to make attendees ignore the rain.

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Minack Theatre -

It's built on a cliff and is considered one of the world's most spectacular theaters because of its jagged rocks and great views. If you want to see a show, the season lasts from May to September.

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Greek Theatre of Syracuse -

In the south of Sicily lies this magnificent construction. It is rare to get such a breathtaking view of both the stage and the ocean beyond at the same time.

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Greek Theatre of Syracuse -

It has been an important cultural center for classical theater since it was built, and now puts on musical performances as well. The acoustics are so brilliant that most performances are done without a sound system.

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Vondelpark Open Air Theatre -

In the summer months, Amsterdam's famous Vondelpark becomes the home to both musicians and actors at the Open Air Theatre.

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Vondelpark Open Air Theatre -

There are a wide range of shows and all are full of fun. The center of Amsterdam is only a ride away, so if you're in the Dutch capital you should check it out.

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Odeon of Herodes Atticus (Herodeion) -

If you are just passing through Greece, you should certainly visit the Herodeion in the Acropolis of Athens. It is a beautifully crafted stone Roman theater, and was renovated recently.

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Odeon of Herodes Atticus (Herodeion) -

The semi-circular amphitheater is put to good use every year for the Athens Art Festival, where 6,000 attendees fill the seats to watch classical productions.

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The Roman Theatre of Mérida -

It is so beautiful that this theater is one of the 12 Treasures of Spain and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is located in Badajoz, Extremadura.

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The Roman Theatre of Mérida -

It was built as a Roman theater and is still used as one today, despite the construction's fragility. Since 1933, there has been the annual Festival of Classical Theatre of Mérida, where you can see all kinds of fantastic performances.

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Regent's Park Open Air Theatre -

Who knew you could see such a spectacle in the middle of central London? If you find yourself in London in the summer months, be sure to book yourself some tickets.

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Regent's Park Open Air Theatre -

Not only can you see classical plays such as Shakespeare's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream,' but there are also musical performances. The experience is made all the sweeter for the nature that encircles the stage.

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Teatre Grec -

In the comfortable heat of Barcelona, you can view some traditional Spanish performances at the Teatre Grec.

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Teatre Grec -

It is situated on the Montjuïc Hill and looks deceptively old. In fact, it was only built relatively recently in 1929.

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The Hollywood Bowl -

It is not difficult to see that the Hollywood Bowl is based on earlier Greek and Roman designs. The brilliant acoustics and spatial design of the ancient theaters mean that modern stages are still based on them.

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The Hollywood Bowl -

It is called a "Bowl" because the stage is carved into the hillside behind it. Only the biggest stars perform here with a backdrop of the glitzy Hollywood Hills.

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The Ancient Theatre of Taormina -

If you find yourself road tripping around Sicily, the town of Taormina and its theater are must-see attractions.

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The Ancient Theatre of Taormina -

From the theater, you can see the Calabrian and Ionian coasts as well as the famous Mount Etna. All the performances are done during the sunset hours to make the most of the golden hour.

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Shakespeare's Globe -

If there is anywhere you should go to see a Shakespeare play, this is it. Shakespeare’s Globe is a reconstruction of the Globe Theater, where the writer originally put on his plays. Although it was only created in 1997, it is a very accurate reconstruction.

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Shakespeare's Globe -

Just as in the original theater, when plays are put on there are stamping crowds in the pit and royalty in the "Lord's Room.” It is a great classical theater experience.

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Delacorte Theater -

In the middle of New York City's Central Park, you will find Delacorte Theater. From May until August, the Public Theater put on shows for free! You'll have to book far in advance to nab a few tickets though.

Sources: (The Daily Beast)(Amex Essentials)

See also: The most compelling theater and music venues in the world

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