William Shakespeare

Shakespeare’s Theater

Shakespearean Theater

Before the theaters were built, plays were performed in the courts of inns (courtyards), which resembled the picture to the right.

Shakespearean Theater

However, since the actors had to share the proceeds and often had to relinquish the inn courts to other presentations, they began to build their own playhouses.

This was a substantial investment, but in the long run, it saved the companies money and increased profits dramatically.

Early Playhouses The early playhouses were often built outside of

city limits. This was done for two main reasons:o The city of London banned plays in 1572 to help prevent

the spread of the plague.o In 1575, London formally expelled all players (actors)

from the city. This was caused by the Code of Practice, which essentially compared players to rogues or vagabonds.

These playhouses (theaters) were modeled after the courts of inns.

The Globe Theater, for instance, was designed as a stage surrounded by round, vertical walls that contained seating, as well as standing room in front of the stage.

Early Playhouses The first structure

built solely as a theater was built in 1576 outside of London, England.

It was titled “The Theater”

Early Playhouses By the time Shakespeare had become prominent

in England, three additional playhouses had been built and were putting on shows several times a week.

The theaters were:o The Roseo The Theatero The Swano The Curtain

The Globe (Shakespeare’s famous theater) was built later in the 1590’s.

The Theaters of London

In 1539, the Priory of Holywell was surrendered and pulled down. In its place, houses were built for noblemen.

Near them, two theaters were built: the Curtain and the Theater.

The Globe Theater Richard Burbage, formerly a player in his youth

(an actor), was one of the first builders of playhouses.

At first, profits were slim, but grew as time went on and the players began to make more money for the shows.

He was part of the company titled Lord Chamberlain’s Men, the company that Shakespeare joined.

The Globe Theater However, the

theater was built on leased ground. When Burbage died, trouble fell upon his “sons,” the actors in his company that performed at the theater.

The Globe Theater The company

then decided to move to a new location. They tore down the theater, and using the same wood, built the Globe Theater.

The Globe Theater Much money was taken at interest (borrowed,

accruing interest) to build the new Globe Theater. This interest laid heavily on the company for

many years, including members such as Shakespeare, who was a profit-sharer.

The Globe Theater The frame of the Globe was four score foot

without (80 feet) and fifty-five feet square all around within.

It contained a brick foundation both without and within.

It was three stories in height with four divisions to allow for gentlemen’s rooms and twopenny rooms.

The Globe Theater The stage was elevated to shoulder level of the

average man standing on the lawn. It was covered and contained a tiring house

(dressing room with entrances to the stage).

The Globe Theater This is a small

model built to depict what the Globe Theater may have looked like during Shakespeare’s day.