1. William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet *Born in Stratford Upon Avon in 1564 and died in 1616. *Moved to London and was an actor with an acting troupe called the Lord Chamberlain’s Men. *Shakespeare wrote the plays for the troupe and acted in the plays as well. *Shakespeare wrote during the Elizabethan era: Queen Elizabeth ruled 1558-1603.

2. William Shakespeare, cont Shakespeare wrote a total of 37 plays and over 100 sonnets. Tragedies: Macbeth, Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, Othello, King Lear Comedies : Taming of the Shrew, A Midsummer Night’s Dream Histories : Henry 4,5,8; Richard 3, Julius Caesar, Antony and Cleopatra Tragicomedies : Twelfth Night, Measure for Measure

3. The Globe Theatre Octagonal with three levels for seating and a thatched roof. Sets were very plain, but there was a balcony, backstage, and a trapdoor. The Globe burned down in 1613 during a performance of Henry the 8th when a cannon used for sound effects caught the thatched roof on fire. Built in 1599; Julius Caesar was the first play performed there Seated up to 3,000 people

4. The Globe Theatre Seats varied in price: cheapest were standing around the stage. People here were called “the groundlings.” Seats increased in in the balcony as you got higher. All social classes attended. The groundlings were close to the performers and were very involved in the performance. They let the actors know if they liked the show by yelling, cheering, throwing things, etc.

5. Elizabethan Era Scripts and Performances Queen Elizabeth was very supportive of the arts and education. Theatre flourished during this time period. No actresses! All of the women's roles were played by boy actors who were totally accepted by Elizabethan audiences. Original plays had no scene or act breaks and were handwritten. Today’s versions are as close to the original as possible but they are not exactly what Shakespeare wrote. Plays were never published until after the author’s death because there were no copyright laws. (They could be stolen)

6. Elizabethan Scripts and Performances At one point, two versions of "Romeo & Juliet," one with a tragic ending and one with a happy ending, played on alternate nights and the audience would choose whichever ending suited their mood at the time!

7. Language Shakespeare’s language can be difficult for modern readers because… Elizabethans had an average vocab of 30,000 words in comparison to today’s average of 15,000 words. The sets on stage were very basic so most of the setting had to be described using vivid language. We are a more visual society. Elizabethan society was more auditory. They went to hear a play; we go to see a play. Educated Elizabethans read the Bible more than most people today read it. It uses complex language.

8. Elizabethan Values and Beliefs- Marriage Women had very little right in choosing her husband. Arranged by families of the bride and the groom in order for the two sides to benefit from one another. Mostly, it was arranged for wealth and reputation. Couples may even only see each other for the first time during the wedding day itself!.

9. The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet Shakespeare wrote Romeo and Juliet when he was about 26 and an experienced playwright. The story is, of course, about a pair of star- crossed lovers. Two teenagers pursue their love for each other despite the fact that their families have been at odds with each other for decades. The story includes… sword fighting disguises misunderstandings tragedy humor and some of the most romantic language found in literature all in the name of true love.

10. Meet the Capulets Lord Capulet -Wealthy -Controlling -Commits his daughter Juliet into a marriage with Paris -Inflexible and proud Juliet -Obedient at first -Love for Romeo opens her eyes to the world -Marries Romeo in secret and rebels against her parents’ expectations Lady Capulet -Doesn’t listen to daughter Juliet -Self-centered -Self-preserving Tybalt -Ready to live, kill or die for honor -Juliet's cousin -Quick-tempered -For all his concern with matters of honor, Tybalt can be dishonorable Nurse -Juliet’s nanny and most trusted friend. -The go between for Juliet and Romeo.

11. Meet the Montagues Lord Montague -Wealthy and powerful -The other half of the feud -Not very involved with Romeo’s life Mercutio -Smart, sharp tongue -Quick-witted aristocrat -Longtime friendship with Romeo -Center of attention -Romeo describes him as "a gentleman... that loves to hear himself talk." Romeo -In unrequited love with Rosaline at the beginning of the play -Secretly crashes the Capulet's Masked Ball and falls in love at first sight with Juliet. -Has a gentle, thoughtful, romantic side, but is also impulsive and quick- tempered Benvolio -Romeo's good friend -Tries to talk Romeo out of his heartbreak over Rosaline

12. Friends The Friar is trusted by all. Together with Juliet, they conceive the plan for her and Romeo to be together. With Romeo, the friar is a constant source of advice and safe haven. For both, the friar is the man who marries them in secret. Prince - He upsets Juliet with his banishment of Romeo for killing Tybalt. But banishment to another city is much better than having Romeo killed as well. For Romeo, he spared his life with Exile, although exile from Juliet may have meant death.