 Shakespeare’s Theater

 Before the theaters were built, plays were performed in the courts of inns (courtyards), which resembled the picture to the right.

 However, since the actors had to share the proceeds and often had to relinquish the inn courts to other presentations, they began to build their own playhouses.  This was a substantial investment, but in the long run, it saved the companies money and increased profits dramatically.

 The early playhouses were often built outside of city limits. This was done for two main reasons: o The city of London banned plays in 1572 to help prevent the spread of the plague. o In 1575, London formally expelled all players (actors) from the city. This was caused by the Code of Practice, which essentially compared players to rogues or vagabonds.  These playhouses (theaters) were modeled after the courts of inns.  The Globe Theater, for instance, was designed as a stage surrounded by round, vertical walls that contained seating, as well as standing room in front of the stage.

 The first structure built solely as a theater was built in 1576 outside of London, England.  It was titled “The Theater”

 By the time Shakespeare had become prominent in England, three additional playhouses had been built and were putting on shows several times a week.  The theaters were: o The Rose o The Theater o The Swan o The Curtain  The Globe (Shakespeare’s famous theater) was built later in the 1590’s.

 In 1539, the Priory of Holywell was surrendered and pulled down. In its place, houses were built for noblemen.  Near them, two theaters were built: the Curtain and the Theater.

 Richard Burbage, formerly a player in his youth (an actor), was one of the first builders of playhouses.  At first, profits were slim, but grew as time went on and the players began to make more money for the shows.  He was part of the company titled Lord Chamberlain’s Men, the company that Shakespeare joined.

 However, the theater was built on leased ground. When Burbage died, trouble fell upon his “sons,” the actors in his company that performed at the theater.

 The company then decided to move to a new location. They tore down the theater, and using the same wood, built the Globe Theater.

 Much money was taken at interest (borrowed, accruing interest) to build the new Globe Theater.  This interest laid heavily on the company for many years, including members such as Shakespeare, who was a profit- sharer.

 The frame of the Globe was four score foot without (80 feet) and fifty-five feet square all around within.  It contained a brick foundation both without and within.  It was three stories in height with four divisions to allow for gentlemen’s rooms and twopenny rooms.

 The stage was elevated to shoulder level of the average man standing on the lawn.  It was covered and contained a tiring house (dressing room with entrances to the stage).

 This is a small model built to depict what the Globe Theater may have looked like during Shakespeare’s day.