The Elizabethan Theater

By: Ashley, Ashley, Ashley, & Katia

Where the theaters were built:-The theaters were first located inside the city, but as the plague became more abundant in the city the theaters had to shut down and move out of the city.-The reason the theaters were shut down was because even if a person was sick or not they would go to the play. This then gave everyone who went to a show a chance to catch the plague and then spread it more. -When the theaters were moved they were located on the south side of the River Thames in the country side.

1st Globe Theater - Created in 1599 by Shakespeare's play group, Chamberlain's men or also known as The King's Men.- Was built with the remains of the theater know as 'The Theatre' which has been previously in 1576.- Extends from the west side of modern-day Southwark Bridge Road eastwards as far as Porter Street and from Park Street southwards as far as the back of Gatehouse Square- Located in London and owned by actors that were in Shakespeare's play group.- Was destroyed in a fire on June 29th, 1613 when a cannon was fired during a Henry VIII performance.

2nd Globe Theater & Modern Globe TheaterSecond Globe Theater -Was built on the same site as the 1st Globe Theater, but did not have a thatched roof rather a tiled one.-Opened in June 1614.-Closed in the year 1642.-Was then demolished in 1644 by Puritans. Modern Globe Theater-Opened in 1997 -Also called Shakespeare's Globe.-Was not built on the same site as the other two theaters.   -Was built about 230 meters from the original site.

Globe Theater Architecture

- Three stories high- Open atmosphere- Approximately 100 feet in diameter, which housed 3,000 guests.- Thatched Roof (1st Globe Theater), Tiled Roof (2nd Globe Theater), Thatched Roof with fire-protective liquid (Modern Globe Theater).- Was partially hollow for standing room, but there was a stage set in the standing room, but farther towards the wall.

Globe Theater

The three stories

The stage

Modern Globe Theater

1st Globe Theater

Open atmosphere

Layout of Theater

Performances- The performances would usually run in the afternoon.- Flags were hung outside to show people what type of play would be in the theater that day.- If a woman was going to attend these performances she would wear a mask because it was frowned upon for them to watch these plays.- Not just one class would be present at a performance. There would be royalty, nobles, and stinkers (also known as groundlings).

Tragedy History Comedy

Roles- All roles where played by men even the women parts in the plays they were performing.- Young boys were then brought in to play the female roles on stage.- The young boys put on make up (a pale foundation) to make them seem more feminine. This makeup was lead based.- Most boys who played women roles during this era either had very unsightly skin disorders or died from lead poisoning.

Scenery and Props- Big props like we have now days were not used during the performances in Elizabethan theater.- They would only use props that could be carried on and off the stage when an actor would exit the stage.- If a 'cave' or other scenery changers that were to big to carry on stage was put in place before the play began and a curtain was placed in front of it.- When the time came for the scene change the curtain would be moved and there would be the scene changer.- Companies property-cupboard includes a pair of wings, a bear skin, a cage, a golden fleece, two coffins, four crowns (three imperial and one plain), a cauldron, even a wooden leg.

Costume" Note also that the meaning of this order is not to prohibit a servant from wearing any cognizance of his master, or henchmen, heralds, pursuivants at arms; runners at jousts, tourneys, or such martial feats, and such as wear apparel given them by the Queen, and such as shall have license from the

Queen for the same." The English Sumptuary Law of 1574

- The acting troops needed a license from the Queen so they could get out of this law.- Their costumes did not fit the time period of the play, they would normally wear clothing that they already had because they plays were so new and they needed a quick turnover.- The actors would also wear clothing associated with the character they were playing. They would wear certain colors and fabrics.- The audience would then know if they were royalty or of lower class because of the colors and fabrics that were worn.

Skills and Ability

• Acting ability.• Be able to do ones own stunts.

• Be able to project ones voice over a large area.

• Sword fighting abilities. • Over act with arms and hands

• Fall convincingly•  A good memory (although not essential)

$ Costs $

- To get into the theater a guest would pay a penny. Then every level higher up would cost an extra penny.- There would be a man holding a box standing by all of the doors up to the next floor, this is where they would put in the next penny.

1st floor (pit): One penny2nd floor: Two pennies3rd floor: Three pennies

- Food and drink would be carried around on the upper floor so the audience could refresh themselves at their own cost.

Richard Burbage

- Was in Shakespeare's acting group, Lord Chamberlain's Men which was later known at The King's Men.- He was the lead actor of this time, but he didn't only do Shakespeare's plays but also other writers works as well.- He was the lead role in Henry VIII, King Lear, Hamlet, Othello, and many more.- He was also a theater owner along with his brother Cuthbert. They ended up in lawsuits with the two theaters they aquired after their fathers death.- The theaters were called: The Blackfriars Theater and simply just The Theater. The Theater was dismantaled after the two brothers could not resolve terms for a new lease with their land lord (Giles Allen).

January 6,1568 - March 13,1619

King's Men/Chamberlain's Men- Was known at the Chamberlain's Men when England was under the rule of Queen Elizabeth.- Became the King's Men when King James took the throne.- The main actors were:- Lawrence Fletcher: Groom of Chamber- William Shakespeare  - Richard Burbage: Groom of Chamber- Augustine Phillips: Groom of Chamber- John Heminges: Groom of Chamber- Henry Condell: Groom of Chamber- William Sly: Groom of Chamber- Robert Armin: Groom of Chamber- Richard Crowley: Groom of Chamber

Grooms of Chamber was a position in the Royal household.

Vocabulary:Pit: Ground floor (Standing room) were the groundlings' would usually stand, this is the very bottom floor of a theater.

Groundling: Also called Stinkers. A member of a theater audience who sits in one of the cheaper seats. An uncritical or uncultured person.  Heavens: The false ceiling of the stage, it provided the actor and their costumes shelter from bad weather. Also referred to as the 'Shadow'.

Trap Door: Is a door set in the floor of ceiling. This is an easy way for actors to make a suprise exit or entrance.

Tiring House: This is the back stage. This is where the actors would change costumes and could also lead someone to the prop room.