1. Shakespeare and the Theater A historical account of The Globe and The Blackfriar ’ s Theater

2. The Globe Shakespeare's company erected the Globe Theatre in 1598 in London's Bankside district. It was one of four major theatres in the area. Shakespeare's company erected the Globe Theatre in 1598 in London's Bankside district. It was one of four major theatres in the area. The open-air, octagonal amphitheater rose three stories high with a diameter of approximately 100 feet, holding a seating capacity of up to 3,000 spectators. The open-air, octagonal amphitheater rose three stories high with a diameter of approximately 100 feet, holding a seating capacity of up to 3,000 spectators.

3. The Globe ’ s Destruction In 1613, the original Globe Theatre burned to the ground when a cannon shot during a performance of Henry VIII ignited the thatched roof of the gallery. In 1613, the original Globe Theatre burned to the ground when a cannon shot during a performance of Henry VIII ignited the thatched roof of the gallery. The company completed a new Globe on the foundations of its predecessor before Shakespeare's death. It continued operating until 1642, when the Puritans closed it down. The company completed a new Globe on the foundations of its predecessor before Shakespeare's death. It continued operating until 1642, when the Puritans closed it down. The Globe would remain a ghost for the next 352 years. The Globe would remain a ghost for the next 352 years.

4. The Globe ’ s Purpose The Globe theatre allowed stage productions to become quite sophisticated with the use of massive props such as fully working canons. Special effects at the Globe were also a spectacular addition at the theater allowing for smoke effects, the firing of a real canon, fireworks and spectacular 'flying' entrances from the rigging in the 'heavens'. The stage floor had trap-doors allowing for additional surprising incidents. Music was another addition to the Globe productions. It was no wonder that the Globe Theater and this form of Elizabethan entertainment were so popular.

5. The Performances In just two weeks Elizabethan theaters could often present “ eleven performances of ten different plays ”. In just two weeks Elizabethan theaters could often present “ eleven performances of ten different plays ”. The Shakespearean Actors generally only got their lines as the play was in progress. Parts were often allocated on the day of the performance. Many times the actors didn't even get their own lines. They did "cue acting", which meant that there was a person backstage who whispered the lines to the actor just before he was going to say them. The Shakespearean Actors generally only got their lines as the play was in progress. Parts were often allocated on the day of the performance. Many times the actors didn't even get their own lines. They did "cue acting", which meant that there was a person backstage who whispered the lines to the actor just before he was going to say them.

6. The Audience The Elizabethan general public (the Commoners) referred to as groundlings would pay 1 penny to stand in the 'Pit' of the Globe Theater. The gentry would pay to sit in the galleries often using cushions for comfort! Rich nobles could watch the play from a chair set on the side of the Globe stage itself. The Elizabethan general public (the Commoners) referred to as groundlings would pay 1 penny to stand in the 'Pit' of the Globe Theater. The gentry would pay to sit in the galleries often using cushions for comfort! Rich nobles could watch the play from a chair set on the side of the Globe stage itself. Theatre performances were held in the afternoon, because, of course, there was no artificial lighting. Men and women attended plays, but often the prosperous women would wear a mask to disguise their identity. Theatre performances were held in the afternoon, because, of course, there was no artificial lighting. Men and women attended plays, but often the prosperous women would wear a mask to disguise their identity.

7. Politics on Stage Plays could be used to encourage criticism of the state and freedom of thought in terms of both religion and politics. Plays could be used to encourage criticism of the state and freedom of thought in terms of both religion and politics. Plays often led to heated debates in the theaters and arguments erupted. The subject matter of the plays would often be vulgar and bawdy. The theatres didn ’ t just show plays. Some also served as a bear pit, brothel and gambling house. Crime increased at the theaters, and, following the performances, the crowds were noisy and unruly. Plays often led to heated debates in the theaters and arguments erupted. The subject matter of the plays would often be vulgar and bawdy. The theatres didn ’ t just show plays. Some also served as a bear pit, brothel and gambling house. Crime increased at the theaters, and, following the performances, the crowds were noisy and unruly.

8. The End of an Era In 1642, under the force of the Puritans, the English Parliament issued an ordinance suppressing all stage plays in the theatres. In 1642, under the force of the Puritans, the English Parliament issued an ordinance suppressing all stage plays in the theatres. In 1644 the Globe Theatre was demolished by the Puritans. In 1644 the Globe Theatre was demolished by the Puritans.

9. The Blackfriar ’ s Theater This was the originally planned home of the Lord Chamberlain ’ s Men acting company. Despite, owning the building, however, their lease on the land expired, and the owner refused to negotiate a new contract. Therefore, they built the Globe. In 1609, Lord Chamberlain ’ s Men won a lawsuit against their former leaseholder and the right to act in The Blackfriar ’ s Theater once more. This was the originally planned home of the Lord Chamberlain ’ s Men acting company. Despite, owning the building, however, their lease on the land expired, and the owner refused to negotiate a new contract. Therefore, they built the Globe. In 1609, Lord Chamberlain ’ s Men won a lawsuit against their former leaseholder and the right to act in The Blackfriar ’ s Theater once more.

10. Interesting: Shakespeare ’ s Tombstone Good Friend, for Jesus ’ sake forbear To dig the dust enclosed here: Blessed be the man that spares these stones, And curst be he that moves my bones.