1. 1564-1616

2. Many legends; very few facts Born Stratford-on-Avon in 1564 Married Anne Hathaway 1582 Three children 1585-92 “blank decade” 1592 first mention in theater

3. 1594 Lord Chamberlain’s Men 1603 King James I accession 1609 The sonnets published 1623 First Folio published posthumously

4. Playwright, actor, producer, shareholder in the Globe Theatre (built 1599) Lord Chamberlain’s Men a repertory company Competition: –Christopher Marlowe; Thomas Kyd; –John Webster; Thomas Dekker

5. Earl of Southampton his patron Shakespeare an active participant in affairs of the Elizabethan theater world

6. The Elizabethan Theater World Prime form of entertainment Inexpensive Open air –“groundlings” > peasants –Galleries –Higher galleries –Lords’ rooms (boxes)

7. The Elizabethan Theater World Polygonal – as many as 20 sides Yard about 80 feet diameter No curtain Proscenium projected out into the yard 300 capacity 1 penny admission for the yard

8. The Globe Built 1599 Banks of Thames River Southwark Destroyed by fire 1613 Rebuilt in different location 1614 (without thatched straw roof)