2. These theaters were a frame, three story structure, built around a courtyard. These theaters were a frame, three story structure, built around a courtyard. Renaissance Theater During these times, the male actors formed guilds and became master actors. The most famous was William Shakespeare. During these times, the male actors formed guilds and became master actors. The most famous was William Shakespeare.

3. Baroque and the 18th Century Theater The 17th century Italian theater had stages were separated from the audience and decorated with painted settings. The 17th century Italian theater had stages were separated from the audience and decorated with painted settings. In the 17th century, the French and English added women to their troupes. In the 17th century, the French and English added women to their troupes.

4. Baroque and the 18th Century Theater In America, the theatre was beginning to emerge. They used English plays and actors. In America, the theatre was beginning to emerge. They used English plays and actors. The 18th century was the last great time of theater for the nobility. The 18th century was the last great time of theater for the nobility.

5. 19th Century Theater The Industrial Revolution and the move to cities caused new forms of theater for the working people such as: The Industrial Revolution and the move to cities caused new forms of theater for the working people such as: Vaudeville - song-and-dance Vaudeville - song-and-dance Burlesque - make a subject appear ridiculous Burlesque - make a subject appear ridiculous

6. 19th Century Theater melodrama - exaggeration of conflict-heroine/hero vs. the villain melodrama - exaggeration of conflict-heroine/hero vs. the villain Romantic plays and the classicswere performed at major theaters. Romantic plays and the classicswere performed at major theaters.

7. 20th Century Theater Modern stages have newer technology and special effects. Modern stages have newer technology and special effects. People not only come for drama, music, entertainment and education. People not only come for drama, music, entertainment and education. Stage designs included the arena staging, or Theater in the Round. Stage designs included the arena staging, or Theater in the Round.

8. 20th Century Theater Realistic and experimental styles of performances are found in the American theatre. Realistic and experimental styles of performances are found in the American theatre. PowerPoint adapted from: http://library.thinkquest.org/5291/history.html