theatres or ‘playhouses’

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

 Who were the actors of Shakespeare’s plays and how did the experience of being an actor differ from the experience today?
The Theatre back then was no where near like it was today, it was loud, dirty and full of drunk people. Theatre was not respected like it is now, to see a show was a good night out to laugh at the actors and throw food at them. You couldn't even really hear what was going on onstage. 


 The playhouses had galleried seating all around the yard made of several layers. Some had open roof, at the back behind the stage was a tiring house, where actors got changed. props were kept and stage effects would be managed. 

 Being an actor was very hard, you could have several shows to do at once. The pay was alright, and was shared between the whole company. Only boys/men could be actors. If you wanted to pursue this career you would join a company at a very young age, start by playing female roles and then work your way up. To be an actor you were required to be able to sword fight, sing and dance, as well as having a good memory for learning lines.

 Some of the best known actors were Richard Burbage, Edward Alleyn, Robert Armin and William Kemp and Nathan Field. Richard Burbage played the main roles in the first Shakespeare performances of Othello, Richard III, Hamlet and King Lear. 

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