Theatre/The Globe

• What is a patron in the context of theatre?

  A person who funded a theatre company
• Why did some people oppose theatres?

  They believed theatres were sinful and dangerous
• What did James Burbage establish?

  He established the Globe Theatre
• How did the plague affect theatres?

  People avoided theatres due to plague fears
• At the start of Elizabeth's reign, where did people watch performances?

  At inns
• What time were performances typically held?

  3:00 PM
• Describe the atmosphere of early theatre performances.

  • Crowded and lively
  • Audience participation was common
  • Informal and interactive
• Who were the groundlings?

  Badly behaved audience members
• Why could groundlings afford tickets?

  Because they only cost 1 penny
• What were the three types of plays performed?

  • Histories
  • Tragedies
  • Comedies
• Why were Shakespeare's history plays popular with Elizabeth's supporters?

  They reinforced Elizabeth's role as Queen
• What entertainment did the rich enjoy before the growth of theatre?

  • Banquets
  • Music
  • Dancing
• What entertainment did the poor enjoy before the growth of theatre?

  • Cock fights
  • Dances
• What was the first permanent theatre built in London?

  The Theatre
• When was the first permanent theatre built in London?

  1567
• What was the purpose of the 1572 law regarding actors?

  Nobles had to support actors financially
• What was the unexpected effect of the 1572 law?

  It made performances dependent on patrons
• Why did Puritans oppose theatre?

  They believed it was sinful
• Why did the south of the river have a bad reputation?

  Prostitutes frequented the area
• What happened to the Globe Theatre in 1613?

  It burned down during a performance
• When was the Globe Theatre reopened after being rebuilt?

  1614
• What led to the closure of theatres in 1593, 1603, and 1608?

  Fear of the bubonic plague spreading
• Who were the sharers in a theatre company?

  Actors who contributed money to the company
• What was the role of hirelings in a theatre company?

  They were paid a weekly wage
• What was the name of the company formed by Sir Francis Walsingham?

  The Queen's Men
• What happened to the Earl of Leicester's Men in 1583?

  They lost actors to the Queen's Men
• How did the theatres reorganize after the plague closures?

  Many companies amalgamated and reformed
• What was the first theatre built on Bankside?

  The Rose Theatre
• How was the Globe Theatre unique compared to the Rose Theatre?

  The Globe was owned by actors
• When was the Globe Theatre demolished?

  1644
• What is propaganda in the context of Elizabethan theatre?

  • Spreading positive messages about someone
  • Examples include showcasing Elizabeth's wealth
• What is censorship in the context of Elizabethan theatre?

  • Preventing damaging statements or actions
  • Examples include stopping plays against Elizabeth
• What was the earliest type of drama in England?

  Medieval mystery play
• What did medieval mystery plays typically depict?

  Biblical stories like 'Adam and Eve'
• Why did Tudor monarchs control religious content in plays?

  To prevent disagreement and disorder
• What was the first purpose-built London theatre?

  The Red Lion
• Who built the Red Lion theatre and when?

  John Brayne in 1567
• What were the dimensions of the stage at the Red Lion?

  40 x 30 feet
• Why was the Red Lion theatre's location problematic?

  It was far for London audiences to travel
• Who built the Theatre in Shoreditch?

  James Burbage