Elizabethan England- Theatre

Question 1

What was theatre like at the start of Elizabeth’s reign

Answer 1

At the start of Elizabeth’s reign, England didn’t have any permanent theatres. Instead, companies of actors travelled around performing in village squares or the courtyards of inns.

Question 2

When and where were the first threatres built

Answer 2

London in the 1570s.

They included ‘The Theatre’ and ‘The Curtain’. They were usually round, open-air buildings with a raised stage that stretched out into the audience (known as an ‘apron stage’).

Question 3

Who were plays performed by

Answer 3

• theatre companies such as the Lord Chamberlain’s men and the Admiral’s men.
• theatre companies were usualy named after the person who provided their funding: the patron

Question 4

Why did people’s love for theatre increase over time

Answer 4

• QUEEN- for the Queen was known to have enjoyed theatre- this would have influenced ppl as the ruler appointed by God supported it, therefore it must be worthwhile
• CHEAP- theatre also grew in importance as it was cheap, with it only costing 1 penny for groundlings- meaning it was accessible to even the poorest elizabethans- this attracted people of all classes
• SHOW OFF theatre also become increasingly popular to the wealthy for it was a place they could show off their wealth and make contacts
• CRIMINALS- also became increasingly popular to criminals- easy place to pick pocket and steal desirable items

Question 5

Who were the audiences in the theatre

Answer 5

Theatre was popular among all classes in Elizabeth era

• POOR-cheap, enjoyable day out,- distracted themselves from daily lives- would stand in the pit (ground floor infornt of stage)
• RICH- place to show off wealth- show off status- make contacts, talk with friends, enjoyable- would sit in the gallery
• CRIMINALS- easy place for crime to be committed- large crowds

Question 6

What were Elizabeth’s attitudes to theatre

Answer 6

• never attended a public theatre BUT enjoyed plays and often invited companies to court to perform for her
• was an important patron of The Theatre
• supported her fave actors & allowed a company to called ‘The Queen’s Men’

Question 7

In what ways did the technical aspects of performances grow over time

Answer 7

• performances moved from inns to permanent theatres
• theatres contained a large stage in the middle- had scenery- trapdoor for effects such as smoke- door in the middle to allow actors to enter and exit stage
• the pit was where ordinary people stood-this area was completely open to the weather
• the tiring room- dressing room- at side of stage- where actors put on their attire
• balconies to left and right of stage were the Gentlemen’s rooms
• galleries- seated covered areas for richer members of audience
• heavens- roof over stage- roof and rigging allowed for scene changes and dramatic entrances
• lord’s rooms- most expensive seats- sometimes used by actors during performances or musicians