Shakespeare Background on the famous playwright After succeeding as a playwright in London he built a new home in Stratford called “The New Place” not exactly original! As an actor, Shakespeare played the role of the ghost in the play Hamlet Under Queen Elizabeth he played in an acting company called the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, and once James I came to power the troop changed their name to the King’s Men Shakespeare April 23, 1564-April 23, 1616, dying at the age of 52

Shakespeare’s Life continued Queen Elizabeth was a strong supporter and patron of the arts Under King James I, Shakespeare’s troop performed 13 times annually for the court Patrons of the theatre watched performances or paid for new works to be created Groundlings were the peasants who stood on the ground, in the belly of the theatre Only the groundlings would get went when it rained because the floor area was the only portion without a roof Inside the Globe Theatre

Theatre Politics and Terminology Richard Burbage was a theatre owner who Shakespeare was hired by. Burbage’s theatre charged admission, similar to many theatres before that. The theatre dressing rooms were also called “tiring rooms” All of the heavy gear including the suspension gear was stored in an area called “The Hut” The trapdoor was NOT used as a favourite entrance for major characters to enter through

Theatre details Shakespeare’s plays were not always exciting, there were low or quiet periods in some plays The Globe Theatre, which is always associated with Shakespeare, could hold 3,000 spectators Today the Globe Theatre has been rebuilt and constantly has a Shakespearean play being performed. It has become a major tourist and educational attraction Shakespeare intended his play to be performed and watched, rather than being read

Romeo and Juliet One of Shakespeare's famous Tragedies Setting: Verona, Italy Conflict: Family Feud between the Capulets (Juliet) and the Montagues (Romeo)