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Elizabethan Theatre
Interesting information about
the Elizabethan Theatre during the life and times of
William Shakespeare and the Globe Theatre
Development of the Elizabethan
Theatre
Most people
associate the Elizabethan Theatre with those built in a similar
style to the Globe Theatre - the massive Amphitheatres but the
natural
development of the Elizabethan Theatre followed a logical progression:
-
The
Strolling Players
-
The
licensed Acting Troupes
-
The Inn-yards
-
The Elizabethan
Amphitheatres
-
The Playhouses
Development of the Elizabethan
Theatre - Wandering Minstrels
Before the 1500's there
were no such thing as a theatre in England! There were wandering
minstrels who travelled from one town and castle to the next, some
street players who entertained people at markets and fairs. The
troubadours, strolling players and minstrels were expected to memorize
long poems and these recitals were included in their repertoire.
Development of the Elizabethan
Theatre - Acting Troupes
Many of the wandering
minstrels, or strolling players, were viewed as vagabonds and had the
reputation as thieves. The spread and frequent outbreaks of the Bubonic
Plague, or Black Death during the Elizabethan era resulted in
regulations restricting all people who travelled around the country -
licenses were required to travel. This led to licenses for entertainers.
Licenses were granted to the nobles
of England for the maintenance of troupes of players. The Elizabethan
Acting Troupes were formed and the development of the Elizabethan
Theatre moved on.
Development of the Elizabethan
Theatre -
The Inn-yards
Acting troupes had their patrons but the actors could make additional
money by playing to ordinary Elizabethans. The Elizabethan Theatre
started in the cobbled courtyards of Inns, or taverns - they were
therefore called
Inn-yards. As many as 500 people would attend play
performances. There was clearly some considerable profit to be
made in theatrical productions. James Burbage was an actor,
who at one time would have played in the Inn-yards and , no
doubt , negotiated a high price with the Inn keeper to perform
on his premises. It was the idea of
James Burbage to construct
the first purpose-built Elizabethan theatre - it was called 'The Theatre'.
Development of the Elizabethan
Theatre -
The 'Theatre' and
the Amphitheatres
This type of Elizabethan Theatre was based on the style of the old Greek and Roman open-air
amphitheatres. 'The Theatre' was to be the first of many
- the Elizabethan Theatre had arrived! The Globe Theatre was
constructed in this style. This type of Elizabethan Theatre could hold
an audience of up to three thousand Elizabethans! The money started to
roll in! However, the profits dropped in the winter as
people would not venture to the cold open arenas of this
massive open-air amphitheatre style of architecture which was
first favored in the Elizabethan Theatre. An indoor structure for an
Elizabethan theatre was clearly required...
Development of the Elizabethan
Theatre -
The Playhouses
The development of the Elizabethan
Theatre moved on to indoor theatres which were called Playhouses. The
Elizabethan theatre style of the playhouses were therefore used
for many winter productions. Many of the playhouses were
converted from the old coaching inns or other existing
buildings - all productions were staged in the comparative
warmth of the indoor design of the Elizabethan Theatre.
The Elizabethan Theatre
Interesting Facts and
information about the development of the Elizabethan Theatre.
Additional details, facts and information about the Elizabethan Theatre can be accessed via the
Globe Theatre Sitemap.
Elizabethan Theatres
Elizabethan Theatres in
London
Elizabethan Theatre Facts
Elizabethan Theatre
History
Map & Sites of Elizabethan Theatres
Elizabethan Inn-Yards
Elizabethan Amphitheatre
Elizabethan Playhouses
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