Historical context week 4

WEEK 4 - THEATRES, ACTORS AND ACTING IN SHAKESPEARE’S TIME


Playhouses : 

London in Elizabethan times had two different types of playhouses, Indoor and Outdoor. Indoor were often referred to as 'Halls' or 'Private' Playhouses, whilst outdoor, like the Globe, were named 'Amphitheatres' or 'public' Playhouses. Playhouses began to open in the late 1560's with the first playhouse, The Red Lion, being opened in 1567. At the time playhouses were seen by city officials to be disruptive and to attract thieves, therefore many theatres were built along the Southside of the river thames, just outside of the city wall in order to avoid city officials. Playhouses were often built by business men after they saw the growing popularity by them. They would buy the land and build the playhouse before leasing it out to companies for a set amount of time. The inside of the open air playhouses would include a ground section completely open to the sky, a covered stage, and gallery seating areas around the perimeter where people could be sheltered. 


Actors : 

Actors in Shakespeare's time were Boys and Men, women were not allowed to perform in public theatres until 1660 although they were working elsewhere in Europe before this. Getting into the profession usually started at a young age. Boys could join a company as an apprentice and be taught by more experienced members before going on to act themselves. The actors were required to sing, fight and be able to remember lines within the company. The size of these companies ranged dependent on wealth and location. A top company may have had up to 16 members as well as 'hired men' and additional stage team. Most of these companies were situated permanently in London, only going on tour when theatres shut for numerous reasons. How much the actors earn was once again dependent on wealth and money. most companies operated a system of 'sharers' where members of the company would own a part of it and benefit in money that way. location also determined an actors rate, where you may get 10 shillings in London you may only get 5 in other parts of the country. Actors would usually rehearse in the morning and then perform in the afternoon, due to the need of natural light. Instead of their own script they would only receive their lines and cues to work from, often actors would play several parts at a time so it was a very busy job.