William Shakespeare

1. William Shakespeare Shakespeare’s Theater

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

3. 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.

4. Early Playhouses • The early playhouses were often built outside of city limits. This was done for two main reasons: • The city of London banned plays in 1572 to help prevent the spread of the plague. • 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.

5. Early Playhouses • The first structure built solely as a theater was built in 1576 outside of London, England. • It was titled “The Theater”

6. 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: • The Rose • The Theater • The Swan • The Curtain • The Globe (Shakespeare’s famous theater) was built later in the 1590’s.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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).

14. The Globe Theater • This is a small model built to depict what the Globe Theater may have looked like during Shakespeare’s day.