Many Greek and Roman theatres are intensively used nowadays hosting a variety of performances. Part of the objectives of the EU funded project “ERATO” (Identification, Evaluation and Revival of the Acoustical heritage of ancient Theatres and Odea) was to process and discuss topics related to the theatres’ modern use such as restoration of acoustical properties, use of amplification etc. Under “ERATO”, acoustic measurements and computer simulations of ancient Greek and Roman theatres were conducted. The theatres that were included were located in Italy, Turkey and Jordan. In the outcomes of “ERATO” [1], specific recommendations and guidelines have been proposed concerning the modern use of Ancient Greek and Roman theatres [2].

In our study, it was decided to expand the analysis in two theatres intensively used nowadays, which this time would be located in Greece; The Theatre of the Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidauros and the Theatre of Ancient Epidauros. Apart from in situ measurements and computer simulations, listening tests were also conducted using material binaurally recorded at the theatres during live performances.

In the present paper the results of in situ measurements in various source-receiver configurations at both theatres are presented and the different source positions are compared. Moreover, the ODEON models of the 2 theatres are used in order to investigate the effect of the addition of a stage on the acoustic properties of the theatres.