 In 1576, James Burbage built the first theatre in London  Called it “The Theatre”  Looked like most of the inns that people stayed at in London Platform at the front and the audience sat around the stage or in the balconies surrounding the stage

 In 1599, this theatre burned down and Shakespeare built his own theater called “The Globe Theatre”  All plays were performed in the afternoon (no lights)  Very few set (tables, chairs, etc.)  Costumes were usually elaborate Many times young boys played the part of women, since women were not respected enough to act

 Shakespeare’s plays in this theatre would have been like movies to us now  These plays were written for the poor not the rich (they viewed them as entertainment)  Many of his plays have “dirty” jokes about farting or sex that would appealed to this audience (Much like our comedies today)  Although the language may seem difficult to you at times, remember this was written for illiterate farmers that needed some entertainment (so don’t tell me you can’t understand it)