WEEK4: THEATRES, ACTORS AND ACTING IN SHAKESPEARE’S TIME

What were the theatres or ‘playhouses’ of Shakespeare’s time like and how were plays staged in them? 

Playhouses
What were the theatres or ‘playhouses’ of Shakespeare’s time like and how were plays staged in them? 
The first playhouse opened was called the Red Lion, opened in 1567 by John Brayne in Stepney, just outside of London's borders. The next theatre built by Brayne and James Burbage was called the "Theatre". It had a simple structure much like what the globe would be like, with an open space in the centre of a walled of space, with seats in shaded tiers around the central performance space. The cheapest tickets were standing in the space surrounded by the walls,

 By 1595 Shakespeare had joined an acting troupe called the Lord Chamberlains, and was performing at the theatre. But the two founders of the space lost their lease and so began a two year building process of what would become the Globe. The Globe was also partially owned and funded by 5 other actor associations/ actors and Shakespeare was one of them.

Even though there were large unprotected parts for the audience to stand and watch the performances they would still carry on regardless of the weather. Indoor theatres did exist, but they were much smaller than your usual sized  Playhouse and were perfect for the colder months when the English weather could get the best of an Open air theatre.
The audiences would be quite loud and rowdy in comparison to modern day audiences, so actors had to make sure they grabbed the attention of the audience who would frequently be drinking and talking to one another.

The stages in Shakespearian theatre were frequently bare and did not have much more on the stage than the odd required prop and the scenery was minimalist and only there if necessary. The stage entrances and Exits were visible to the audience and there were too other more over the top ways of entering such as using the 'hell' entrance (the trap door) and the 'heavens' (from above the stage).

 Who were the actors of Shakespeare’s plays and how did the experience of being an actor differ from the experience today?

at this time women were not allowed to perform in the theatre, so boys, mainly pre pubescent boys would dress as women, wearing heels and full make up to portray female characters. Also acting in this time was mostly melodramatic. In the case of older more comedic female roles such s Juliet's nurse, they may be specifically reserved for older well versed Comedians, Actors or eve Clowns. 
The actors of Shakespeare's time were not only astounding at keeping an audience's attention but they were extremely skilled in stage combat, with many having to dual on stage live, with skill and precision. Other talents the actors would require, were like a singing voice, as on stage choral singing was often a requirement in a show as well as play songs and dance with fervour without getting fatigued.

The main actors frequently wore extravagant clothes once owned by real life noble men and women as costumes were an important part of creating the spectacle of the theatre.