GLOBE THEATRE
THE GLOBE THEATRE
GLOBE THEATRE: HISTORY
• Globe theatre was built in 1599
• The Globe was a warm-weather theatre as it
had a roofless yard.
• Performances were held at the Globe Theatre
in cases out of side of lent and incase of any
outbreaks that may affect the population
• There were no toilet facilities.
• People relieved themselves outside.
GLOBE THEATRE: HISTORY
• A coloured flag flew over the Globe on play days
to advertise the type of performance
• Black- represented a Tragedy
• White- represented a comedy
• Red- represented a history
• Plays were announced by mid afternoon with the
sound of the trumpet
• Sunlight provided the lighting, while lit torches
suggested a night scene.
Globe Theatre: History
• Plays held there had no intermission so they
could end before dark and the audience can
return home safely.
• Actors on stage had to shout their lines and
use exaggerated gestures as to convey
meaning.
• The Globe theatre burn down on the 29th June
1613 as a result of fire cannon used to
introduce Henry VIII .
GLOBE THEATRE: DESIGN
• The Design of the Globe Theatre was based on
the Roman Amphitheatre.
• It was twelve metre high, wood-framed walls
were joined at angles to form an oval.
Globe Theatre: THE STAGE
• The rectangular curtainless stage stood from
three to five feet above ground so the area
beneath, “HELL”, was big enough to hold actors
and props.
• The stage space accommodated twelve actors at
a time.
• Part of the stage extended into audience and was
surrounded by viewers on three sides, creating
greater intimacy between actors and audience.
GLOBE THEATRE: THE STAGE
• The stage was covered by a roof supported by
pillars.
• The upstage wall doors led to the actors’
dressing rooms.
• The stage had multiple entrances to allow
scenes to flow quickly.
• The globe theatre could have accommodated
up to 3000 audience members.
GLOBE THEATRE: PARTS OF THE STAGE
• Trap Door- Actors playing supernatural characters could
appear and disappear through a trap door on the stage
floor.
• Winch Tower- Actors could descend to earth from
heaven on a winch line
• Pit or Yard- The pit or yard was the open- air standing
room in from of the stage where the groundlings each
put a penny in the gatherer’s box to view the play
• Gallery- A small gallery used as a balcony was situated
above the stage and reached through the tiring house.
GLOBE THEATRE: PARTS OF THE STAGE
• Two Penny Galleries- three storeys of thatchedroof galleries supported by pillars protected
theatre goers from the rain and the sun.
• The Lord’s room- the stage gallery above the
stage wall was used by the actors. This viewed
was considered to be the best seats in the house.
Only the rich and people of a certain social
standing would be seen sitting in the soft
cushioned seats..
GLOBE THEATRE: PARTS OF THE STAGE
• Gentlemen’s rooms- Where the additional seating on the
left and right of the Lord’s room and also housed the rich
and highly noble men of society in this section
• Tiring house- Actors dressing room were called the tiring
house. Costumes and props were stored here also.
• Hut- a small roofed structured above the tiring house used
for storage
• The Heavens- The heaven was the area abobe the
underside of the stage roof, which was painted sky blue,
decorated with stars, sun and a moon and supported by
pillars behind which actors hid or eavesdropped
Globe Theatre:
• http://photosynth.net/view.aspx?cid=ce94750
e-daee-4f14-b558-6ee679b19e57
• http://photosynth.net/view.aspx?cid=668a92
d5-143c-433d-ac3d-ceff4c635934
• http://photosynth.net/view.aspx?cid=2da1f0d
2-2506-41c3-a051-872b79fcb89f
GLOBE THEATRE: THE ACTORS
• 1590- 1642- there were nearly 20 theatre
companies of actors.
• Companies included, sharers, apprentices and
hired men.
• Sharers shared in the company’s profits and
expenses and were legally responsible for the
company. They selected the plays and performed
the main roles.
• Hired men included minor actors, musicians,
stage managers, wardrobe keepers, prompters
and stage hands.
GLOBE THEATRE: THE ACTORS
• Company apprentices were boys whose voices
had not changed and as a result they played
the role of women, children and old men
GLOBE THEATRE: COSTUMING
• Actors during this period wore the current
fashion of the time no matter how far back
the time period of the play was set.