WEEK 4 - 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

Before the first public playhouses were built in London in the late 16th century, players performed in the yards and upper rooms of the capital's many inns. By the early 1600s there were several playhouses just outside the City of London. The two main types were:

• Open-air amphitheatres. These were usually polygonal. The stage projected into the central yard and may or may not have been covered. The audience stood around the stage in the yard, where places were cheapest, or stood or sat in the tiers of galleries that enclosed it. These playhouses relied on natural light.

• Indoor halls. These were rectangular, with the stage along one of the short sides. The audience sat, either immediately in front of the stage where the seats were most expensive, or in galleries which ran around the other three sides of the room. These playhouses were lit by candles and torches.

The playhouses were known for being brightly and almost flamboyantly decorated within the structures. The stages had two doors for entrances and exits, often being parallel to a larger opening, which were traditionally used for ceremonial comings and goings. The scenery was limited withe the exception of a few hangings, for example painted cloths and curtains, were used on the stage. Properties, like bed or tombs, were sometimes needed for a production.

Audiences were socially mixed, and women as well as men visited both the open-air and indoor playhouses. Admission to the open-air amphitheatres cost one penny, which was known to cater more towards the citizenry. Admission the indoor halls cost six old pennies, which were frequented by the court and gentry.

Who built playhouses?

Playhouses were sometimes built by businessmen who recognized the growing popularity of of the touring acting companies that played in the yards of inns and other open spaces
around the city. They had the offer of financial stability that the companies did not. a businessman leased a portion of land, built a playhouse and leased it to acting
companies for a contracted term/period.

Where was the first playhouse built?

The first playhouse was built in 1567 by John Brayane. It was called "The Red Lion". It was originally an inn but it was converted in Stepney outside the wall. There is a lack of evidence when considering how successful it was, but it is assumed that there must have been notable demand.  

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

Who became an actor?

During the Elizabethan era, only men and boys had the opportunity to become actors. Women did act around Europe but were not permitted to perform publicly in theatres until 1660. In productions boys would play the female parts and sometimes men would play older women.

What was an actor’s training?

The majority of actors began their careers as young boys and they would join the company as an "apprentice" and would receive instruction form one of the more experienced actors. They were often expected to posses some skill in sword fighting, singing and dancing and of course learning lines.

How did the experience of being an actor differ from the experience today?

The most notable difference is woman now having roles and more prominent ones. This is attributed to social changes in attitude towards woman and perception. Another difference is that the standard of training for an actor is now attending a "Drama School" or studying acting in a university as opposed to joining a company and studying under a veteran actor.