The Elizabethan Theatre Flashcards
What is a modern reconstruction of the Globe Theatre called?
Shakespeare’s Globe
It is located in London.
Where did early theatre performances take place?
In the nave of the church
Later, performances moved outside.
What were the early plays called that replaced Latin performances in English?
Mystery Plays
What was a key reason for drama becoming the main form of art?
Entertainment rooted in communal life
What was the significance of permanent theatres in London?
A break with the past
Name one of the first permanent playhouses built in London.
The Theatre
Built by James Burbage in 1576.
Which playhouse was built by Francis Langley in 1595?
The Swan
What was the diameter of the Globe Theatre?
25 metres
What type of stage did the Globe Theatre have?
Rectangular stage, the apron stage
What was the height of the theatres?
12 metres
What feature did the Globe Theatre stage have for special effects?
A trap door
What did the audience pay for standing room in the pit?
A penny
How much did it cost to sit in the covered galleries?
Six pence
What was one way the audience expressed their emotions during performances?
With laughter or tears
What types of plays did the audience particularly enjoy?
Chronicles and history plays
What was one requirement for actors in a theatre company?
Join a company of a prominent figure
How long did actors typically have to prepare a new play?
No more than two weeks
What was a common practice for boys in acting companies?
To play female roles until their voices broke
What type of character was the professional jester?
Dressed in motley, cap and bells
What genre influenced the themes of horror and vice in Elizabethan theatre?
The Italian Commedia dell’Arte
What was a notable work of Thomas Kyd that contributed to the genre?
The Spanish Tragedy
