Shakespeare’s time ( last part of the 16 th and the early 17 th century).

1. Shakespeare’s time(last part of the 16th and the early 17th century).

2. Shakespeare’s London The Globe Theatre

3. Whatdid the City fathersthink of theatres? Authorities thought theatre had a bad influence on people because: They encouraged working people to idleness and taking timeoff from their work. They kept them from going to church. They influenced immoral behaviour, particularly women! Since people gathered together in a small space, the plague could easily spread.

4. WhatdidQueenElilzabeththink of theatres? Queen Elizabeth, on the other hand, loved watching plays and helped the theatre become popular.

5. Whathappened in areas aroundtheatres? As time went on more and more popular theatres emerged outside city walls. This was considered an unsafe area with crime and prostitution.

6. How was the structure of theatres? 1. Theatres were open arenas that had room for up to three thousand people. 2. They were structures made mainly of wood. 3.There was no heating and actors got wet when it rained. 4. The stage was higher and there was an open pit in front of it where most of the people could stand in. 5. The performances took place in the afternoon because it was too dark at night.

7. Whowas the audience in London theatres? The theatre in Shakespeare’s time was much different than it is today. Authors wrote plays for the masses, especially those who couldn’t read or write. But every level of society went to the plays.

8. Wheredid the audience sit? How diditcost? The Lower Classes, the Commoners, were called “the Groundlings” or “Stinkards”, and  would have stood in the theatre pit and paid 1 penny entrance fee. The Nobles - Upper Class Nobles would have paid for the better seats in the Lord's rooms paying 5 pennies for the privilege. They sat in the covered galleries. A cushion to make watching the play more comfortable cost a further penny.

9. During the performance… Shakespeare’s theatre was full of life. People did not sit all the time and it was not quiet during the performance. The audience could walk around, eat and drink during the play. They cheered, booed and sometimes even threw objects at the actors.

10. How was the scenery? There was almost no scenerybecause the dialogue was the most important part of the play.

11. How were the actors’ costumes? Colourful and well-designed costumes were very important and told the people about the status of a character.

12. What about women in plays? Womennever performed in plays (because it was immoral) so youngboys played female characters. Women could attend the theatre although this was not formally approved.