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