By: Jocelyn White & Lauren Frey Globe Theatre By: Jocelyn White & Lauren Frey

What was the Globe Theatre? Early English Theatre in London during the Elizabethan Era where most of Shakespeare's plays were presented. Two brothers, Richard and Cuthbert Burbage , built the Globe in 1599. It could hold at least 2,000 people. “Groundlings” is a term used for those of the lower class who stood during the performances. The wealthy class sat in tiered galleries overlooking the stage.

Before The Globe The land lease was up on the original site of The Globe in 1597. The land lord opted to have it torn down. The company purchased a property at Blackfriars in Upper Frater Hall for £600 to construct the new theatre. (£600 = $811.20) On December 28th, two brothers, Richard and Cuthbert Burbage, waited until the landlord left for vacation and stripped the theatre off of its foundation and move it across The Thames to the new property. Richard Burbage

Layout of The Globe Interior Pit or yard- This was the cheapest area of the Globe. There was no seating. The people paid 1 penny to watch and were called “Groundlings” The Galleries- Three tiers of wooden seats around the top of the Globe. Lord’s Room- cushioned seats that overlooked the back of the stage. This was used by the rich nobility. The seats were deemed “the best seats in the house”. (5 pence) Gentlemen’s Rooms- The balconies to the left and right of the Lord’s Room. The rich also sat in the cushioned seats. (4 pence)

Layout Continued The Stage- The dimensions of the Globe’s stage cannot be identified, however, Elizabethan stages varied from 20 foot wide, 15 foot deep to 45 feet, to 30 feet. The stage was raised three to five feet and were supported by wooden pillars. The floor was made of wood. Tiring house and hut- back stage behind the main stage that actors used to change clothing.

Modern Globe The foundations of The Globe were rediscovered in 1989 which fueled an attempt to make a modern recreation. Work began in 1993 and was finished in 1996. Queen Elizabeth officially opened the theatre on June 12th, 1997 with the production of Henry V. It seats 1,500 people between the galleries and the "groundlings."

Elizabethan Theatre Practices Women did not perform, instead young boys played that parts of women. Only men were allowed in the theatre until 1660. The men applied white make up to give themselves a paler look and to cover up aging! Ceruse was a mixture of vinegar and white lead. This was poisonous.

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