Structure

• DIMENSIONS:
  • c.800 groundlings (standing in yard)
  • c.1,500 seats
• The Globe: 1599
  • wooden, round/polygonal structures
  • @ 80x80 on the outside
  • @50x50 on the inside
  • entry = doors at the rear of the stage (upstage)
  • stage = thrust, protected by a roof supported by 2 columns (prop -“trees”)
• PERFORMANCE:
  • action =continuous
  • uninterrupted by breaks or intermissions
    • (slight pauses for scene changes)
  • change of scene indicated by verbal clues/cues in dialogue
• 3 GENRES of ELIZABETHAN DRAMA:
  • Tragedy
  • Comedy
  • History
  • (Dumb shows - pantomime)
• SOUND EFFECTS:
  • cannon, nature, drums or trumpets)
• COSTUMES:
  • contemporary dress
  • whatever they had themselves or donated by patrons
  • exception:
    • classical plays tried for ancient costuming
    • (often a mix of old & new)

Johannes de Witt’s sketch of The Swan (Arend van Buchel's copy of)

C. Walter Hodges’ drawing of an Elizabethan playhouse (1965)

New Globe Theatre