What duties did a choregos have in an Athenian dramatic production?

In ancient Athenian theatre, a choregos (or choragus) was a wealthy citizen appointed to finance and produce theatrical performances for civic festivals, such as the Great Dionysia and the Lenaea.1

Because these performances were considered civic ceremonies, the state provided the actors' salaries, but the choregos was responsible for all additional production expenses. Their primary duties included:1

• Funding and Organization: Covering the costs of training and paying the chorus, as well as providing costumes for both the chorus and the flute players.1
• Support Staff: Paying for any mutes or extras required for the production.1
• Competitive Advantage: Since the festivals were highly competitive, a choregos who was generous and helpful provided the playwright with a significant advantage in the contests.1

Choragi were appointed to playwrights by lot each July. If a play won a prize, the victory was officially awarded to the choregos rather than the playwright. By the 4th century BCE, financial pressures led to the division of these duties between two choregi, and eventually, the role was replaced by an elected official funded by the state.1