1. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

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