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William Shakespeare
The Globe Theatre
The Start of a Star
William Shakespeare moved to London, England at age 21
There, he joined a group of traveling actors, The Lord Chamberlain’s Men.
During this time, he worked as both an actor and a writer.
But the group (later renamed to be “The King’s Men) wanted a stationary place to perform their plays.
London Life
Poor sewer system High crime rate But … 200,000
inhabitants the cultural and
political heart of England
Shakespeare: The Hollywood Tycoon
Shakespeare took this opportunity to invest in The Globe Theatre.
Due to his successes as a writer as well as his part ownership in the Globe, Shakespeare became a very wealthy man.
The Globe Theatre
Built in 1598 and opened in 1599 Burned down in1613 from a cannon blast
during the play “Henry VIII” Rebuilt and reopened in 1614 Closed down by Puritans in 1642 and was
torn down in 1644 In 1996 a replica was built on the original
site Original Globe was 3 stories and held
about 3000 people. Located in Southwark near the Thames
River (just outside of London).
The Doors Open
The first play we know of that was performed at Shakespeare's famous playhouse was Julius Caesar in 1599.
The Globe Theatre
All classes of people attended plays there. No roof so that they had sunlight. Thus, plays
had to be during the day. People often skipped work to go. Was not allowed to be built in the city of
London because crowds often became rowdy. Fights Spread of disease (the plague) Drug dealing Prostitution Theft
Entrance View
Everybody entered at the same place regardless of where you paid to sit or stand.
The stage juts out onto the floor, so some people would view from the side.
Floor View—One Cent
Poor people could get into plays for little money, but had to stand. They were known as Groundlings.
It would be very difficult to see unless you were right next to the stage.
Plays often lasted 4-6 hours and the Groundlings would stand the whole time.
Second Floor View—Two Cents
The middle to upper class people could afford to sit on the second level.
The second level wrapped around both sides of the stage.
Third Floor View
Only the upper class could afford seats on the third level.
For extra money they could get a padded seat.
Stage View
The actors had to deal with many distractions: Weather (no roof) Rowdy Audience Fruits and Veggies
thrown at them if the play or the acting was bad.
The Lord’s Room
This was situated above the stage and the balcony. This was used by the very wealthy to watch the plays from above. There would be a relatively large fee charged to use this, and only the very well-to-do were allowed in.
The First Special Effects
The Globe’s stage was rigged with a trap door.
This was used for the entrance/exit for ghosts, witches, etc.
Although no scenery was used, the actors usually carried elaborate props.
Their costumes were also elaborate. They were often the most valuable possessions in the theatre.
The Flag
The Globe had its own flag (as most other theatres at the time).
This would signify that a play was to take place that day.
The flag featured the god Hercules carrying the globe on his shoulders. (Fitting, right?)
The Crowd
The etiquette of the audience at the Globe Theatre was much different back then.
The audience was very vocal—they were a huge part of the production. For example, when a villain came onto
the stage, the crowd would loudly boo and hiss. But when a hero or someone they liked came out, the croud would cheer loudly.
Rotten Tomatoes
The crowd also served as the first critics of the actors. If they didn’t think that the acting was good,
they would literally throw garbage (rotten fruits and vegetables) onto the stage.
If they thought an actor was doing well, they would cheer while he was still speaking
This, as well as other negative factors such as inclement weather, served to be terrible distractions for the actors.
