Final answer:
It is true that the first Greek theaters started as wooden benches built into hillside slopes, evolving into stone structures with the passage of time.
Step-by-step explanation:
Most Greek scholars agree that the first Greek theaters were indeed wooden benches built into a hillside; this statement is true. Greek theaters made use of the natural landscape, often located on hillsides to create a viewing area or theatron. The Theatre of Dionysus, for instance, utilized the slope of the hill for seating, with a flat area at the bottom known as the orchestra where performances occurred. This initial design, which included features such as an altar to Dionysus and a temporary wooden skene, evolved into more permanent stone structures with enhanced acoustics and visuals over time.
The geographical advantage of the hilltop locations was also employed for reasons of safety and visibility in places like the acropolis. And like their Greek counterparts, Roman theaters eventually transitioned from temporary wooden constructions to permanent stone edifices with elaborate stage designs to accommodate larger audiences and more dramatic spectacles.
The arena, which hosted a variety of shows including gladiator fights, took a similar path of development from wood to stone construction, with the Amphitheatre of Pompeii being an early stone example. Thus, we can affirm that Greek and Roman theatrical architecture started with humble, temporary wooden constructions before reaching the magnificent stone structures that are more widely recognized today.