Shakespeare And His Theater

The theater of Shakespeare The actors were all men. The actors were all men. Women’s parts were played by young boys Women’s parts were played by young boys Theaters had openings in the roofs to allow in the sun to light the stages below. Theaters had openings in the roofs to allow in the sun to light the stages below. All performances were held in the early afternoons because of lighting. All performances were held in the early afternoons because of lighting.

Theater continued The stage had no curtain. The stage had no curtain. Actors wore clothing of their own time. They did not wear costumes depicting other time periods in history. Actors wore clothing of their own time. They did not wear costumes depicting other time periods in history. The stages had little scenery and few props. The stages had little scenery and few props. A flag flew above the theater to alert the crowds to a performance. A flag flew above the theater to alert the crowds to a performance.

Parts of the Theater The Heavens: The Heavens: A building above the stage that contained a pulley system to lower actors on ropes through a trap door in the roof. A building above the stage that contained a pulley system to lower actors on ropes through a trap door in the roof. Galleries: Galleries: Three levels of covered seats where the wealthier people sat. Three levels of covered seats where the wealthier people sat.

Parts of the theater The Pit: The Pit: An open area that surrounded the stage where people stood to watch. People were known as the “groundlings.” An open area that surrounded the stage where people stood to watch. People were known as the “groundlings.” The Outer Stage: The Outer Stage: Largest stage area where most of the action took place. Largest stage area where most of the action took place.

Parts of the theater Inner Stage: Inner Stage: Small, recessed are at the back of the outer stage—it was the only part with a curtain. Used as a cave or a tomb. Small, recessed are at the back of the outer stage—it was the only part with a curtain. Used as a cave or a tomb. Upper Stage: Upper Stage: Stage area above the inner stage, used for outdoor scenes. Stage area above the inner stage, used for outdoor scenes.

Parts of the theater Balcony Windows: Balcony Windows: One on each side of the upper stage. Used in the famous balcony scene in Romeo and Juliet. One on each side of the upper stage. Used in the famous balcony scene in Romeo and Juliet. Proscenium Doors: Proscenium Doors: One on each side of the inner stage—used for entrances and exits. One on each side of the inner stage—used for entrances and exits.

The Globe Today

Globe Today