The Globe Theatre, Then
- Roofless- 3 levels of galleries surrounding the stage- Plays produced for the general public—an average of 15, 000 spectators every week- Natural light only—plays held at noon everyday- Plays performed throughout the year, except Lent
Performing at the Globe
- Elaborate costumes- Lots of props- No scenery (identified places with signs)- Plays lasted 2-3 hours with no breaks!
Staging Areas of the Globe-The Globe stage is a platform that extends into a pit. - Dressing rooms and storage were above and behind the stage.- Second level gallery was where they performed the famous balcony scene in Romeo & Juliet. - “heavens” were performed at top gallery - “trap doors” for ghosts or demons
Theatre Goers
-Wealthy got benches. - “Groundlings” stood and watched in the pit.- More audience interaction than today. - All but wealthy were illiterate.
Stage DirectionsDirections given to the actors that involve
the physical movement onstage
Examples from Romeo and Juliet:
exeunt: exit by 2 or more characterswithin: the character speaks will behind a
door or wall
Now, let’s take a lookat three different types of
dramatic speeches
MonologueOne character’s long speech
in the presence of other characters
Ex. Prince’s speech commandingThe two families to stop
fighting
Soliloquy
A long speech reflecting the thoughts and
emotions of one character alone on
the stage
Aside
A few words spoken directly to the audience by one
character; other characterscan’t hear this