It is clear from a comparison of the reconstructed designs of the Theater of Balbus and the Theater of Pompey that Balbus imitated the successful formula Pompey had hit upon for the theater he built in 55 BCE:

• the east-facing cavea
• the west-facing scaena, consonant with Vitruvius' preferred orientation for the good health of the citizens and their families attending the performances (see De Architectura 5.3.2)
• the rectangular courtyard adjoining the scene building and containing in its center gardens, statues, fountains, small building(s)
• the 4-sided porticus for shaded strolling, which permitted entry to the theater area.