1. Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre

2. Why was the Globe built?
The Lord Chamberlain’s Men (Shakespeare’s acting troupe) needed a place to perform their plays so they could compete with other acting troupes.

3. History of the Globe Theatre
Built in 1598 and opened in 1599
Burned down in1613 from a cannon blast during the play Henry VIII
Rebuilt and reopened in 1614
Closed down by Puritans in 1642 and was torn down in 1644
In 1996 a replica was built on the original site

4. Facts about the Globe Theatre
Original Globe was 3 stories, shaped like an octagon, and held about 3000 people
Located in Southwark
(just outside of London)
All classes of people
attended plays there.
The lowest admission
charge was a penny.

5. More Globe Facts
No roof (This provided light, so plays were only performed during the day.)
Raised platform for a stage with trapdoors
Flag signified which type of play was being performed
Black = Tragedy
White = Comedy
Red = History

6. Crest & Motto of the Globe
Crest: Hercules Bearing the Globe on his Shoulders
Motto: “The whole world is a playhouse.”
As You Like It
“All the world’s a stage”

7. Problems at the Theatre
Spread of disease (Bubonic Plague)
Rowdy Crowds
Fights
Crowds attracted thieves, pick-pockets, gamblers, beggars,
& prostitutes
Increase in Crime

8. Entrance View
Everybody entered at the same place regardless of where you paid to sit or stand.
The stage juts out onto the floor, so some people would view from the side.

9. Floor View
Poor people could get into plays for little money, but had to stand. They were known as Groundlings.
It would be very difficult to see unless you were right next to the stage.
Plays often lasted 4-6 hours and the Groundlings would stand the whole time.

10. Second Floor View
The middle to upper class people could afford to sit on the second level.
The second level wrapped around both sides of the stage.

11. Third Floor View
Only the upper class could afford seats on the third level.
For extra money they could get a padded seat.

12. Stage View The actors had to deal with many distractions:
Weather (no roof)
Rowdy Audience
Fruits and veggies thrown at them if the play or the acting was bad.

13. Images of the Globe Theater

14. Assignment
Construct a replica of the Globe Theater using hot glue guns/sticks, popsicle sticks, and a wood slat (intended for the stage).
You may use anything you can find (construction paper, etc.) OR any supplies you would like to contribute to the project.

15. Student Projects

16. Student Projects

17. Student Projects

18. Student Projects

19. Grading Rubric Final Project Grade ____ /30 pts: 3 Stories in Height
____ /10 pts: Raised Platform/Stage
____ /10 pts: Neatness/Creativity
____ /50 pts: Final Grade