scaenae frons : SKAY-nay FRAHNZ

(Latin: front of scene house). Elaborately decorated permanent architectural front wall of the Roman scaenae (stage house). The wall could range in height from one to three stories and was typically ornamented with one to three tiers of columns (columnatio), balconies, and statues. The wall normally contained three entrances to the stage – a richly decorated center door, valva regia or “royal door,” flanked by two smaller doors: the porta hospitalis or “guest doors.” The sides of the stage were enclosed by the basilica walls, each having a door which lead off-stage. In some theatres a permanent roof extended from the scaenae frons and covered the stage.