1. William Shakespeare Notes
B-day is celebrated April 23, 1564—no official record of birth
Date is determined by when he was christened—subtract 2 weeks
From Stratford, England

2. Parents: John Shakespeare and Mary Arden; he was one of eight kids
Family: middle to wealthy status
Dad was a glove maker who held some political offices

3. S. was well educated—not university
Married Ann Hathaway when he was 18—she was 26
S. initially went to London as an actor w. a reputation as a playwright

4. Helped create the Lord Chamberlain’s Men—became a famous acting Troupe in his time
1599, the Troupe built the Globe Theatre—eventually burned down (extra credit)

5. Wrote many parts for famous actor, Richard Burbage
S. died April 23, 1616—on his supposed b-day
After his death, his Troupe compiled all of his plays-published First Folio

6. In his lifetime, he wrote 37 plays and 154 sonnets
Men played ALL of the roles during this time period bc it was not appropriate for women to be actors
Mystery about who wrote many of his plays—bc of court details