Theory Lesson 7

Elizabethan Theatre 

The Renaissance Time Period 

Late 16th Century

Women were not allowed to perform because they believed it would be too attention. (restoration came after the renaissance)

Men played women (wasn't natural) 

Queen Elizabeth reigned from 1558-1603

Theatre was heavily governed by the monarchy because they could control what influenced audience

Two main theatre companies were:

• Lord Chamberlain's Men 
• Lord Admiral's Men 

Would be in constant pressure and competition

Mainly improvised because usually had short time to prepare 

Famous Figures:

• Shakespeare 
• 37plays and 154 sonnets 
• Wrote for The Lord Chamberlain's Men 
• Richard Burbage
• Actor
• Member of The Lord Chamberlain's Men 
• Queen Elizabeth I

• Control of the theatre 
• Fought Spain and won 
• Never married so she wouldn't lose her power to her husband 

The Playhouse (after Inn Yard Theatres)

• Groundlings, Gentry, Nobles & Royal Box
• No lights in theatre 
• Performance took place in day 
• Would have candles if got dark
• Large and profitable (good for Monarchy)
• Fixed construction

Oliver Cromwell and Restoration came after all of this...

(watch Shakespeare in Love)