The Globe Theatre

The Globe Theatre

Theatre is a huge entertainment business that's been around for centuries, but one of the most important factors of the theatre is where the performance is held. From small stages to outdoor areas, plays and performances are held almost everywhere, but one of the most popular and historic places that plays were and still held is inside the Globe Theatre. This Elizabethan playhouse was built in 1599. A carpenter named Peter Smith built it, it was the most magnificent theatre that London had ever seen around those times. The Globe could seat up to at least 3,000 people. Plays weren't the only thing held there; it also turned into a brothel and gambling house, which eventually led to its own downfall.

The most famous of actors would perform at the Globe theatre. Two men named Henslowe and Edward Allen were very famous Elizabethan English actors who preformed there. As soon as plays were written they were produced as soon as possible and preformed that day. Shakespeare, who owned at least 10% of the Globe, would write plays for the theatre all the time, others would steal Shakespeare's ideas and people would perform them at other theatres. In Shakespearean time there was no such thing as copy written material. Plays were so popular during the Elizabethan period that the law made all theatres close on Thursdays so that other industries and shops wouldn't be neglected.

Going and watching a play or show at the Globe was like no other. There was refreshments being sold and merchandise thus creating an unusual atmosphere for a play. It attracted very many young people creating complaints of apprentices avoiding work. A very loud trumpet was played just before the play was going to begin, so that all the spectators could gather themselves. The general public or the "Groundlings" would pay one penny to stand right in front of the stage, in some sort of pit area. Around the yard were three more levels of seating. The first two were called the Twopenny rooms and the highest level was called the Penny Gallery. The gentry would sit on the first two levels and the rich nobles sat at the way top or on the actual stage to be seen.

The productions in the Globe were like nothing ever seen before. Massive props such as fully working canons, fireworks, and "flying" entrances/exits, trapdoors, and music were all great surprises and spectacular entertainment back in those days. A lot of the acting that took place at the Globe was very rushed and unrehearsed. Roles were barely given the day of the play; a lot of "cue-acting" took place as well, which is when a person backstage whispers the line to