Elizabethan Theater

Drama changed literature and theater into what it is today. I. History of
Elizabethan Theater a. forming of theater 1. medieval church 2. mystery and
morality b. actors 1. rogues and thieves 2. acting guilds II. Influences and
people a. commanding actors 1. Shakespeare 2. Burbage b. other 1. wars of the
roses (other historical influences) 2. laws restricting theater III. The
theaters a. prices 1. seating 2. stage b. the theater and the globe 1. locations
and characteristics 2. Burbage and other accomplishment Elizabethan Drama During
the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, England underwent a dramatic change in
priorities. The importance of art and literature became highly prevalent. The
impact of the Elizabethan drama and style still influences culture. It changed
altered it into what it modern literature and theater is today. The Elizabethan
Age began during the last twenty years of Elizabeth I’s reign (Lace, 71).

Elizabeth loved the arts and England had increased in wealth and internal peace
(Lace, 71). Elizabethan drama placed its roots in the medieval church (Lace,
71). Since all services were held in Latin, a language common people did not
speak, priests acted out the stories of the bible to teach (Lace, 71). Beginning
in church behind the alter, plays grew more popular as more people wanted to see
them (Lace, 71). When there were not enough priests to fill the roles, commoners
were given parts. Eventually, the common people took over the plays and the
church became less involved (Lace, 72). The biblical plays transformed into
mystery and morality plays. Morality plays were more serious and meant to teach
people the difference between right and wrong (Lace, 78). Mystery plays, while
still teaching morals, were the more entertaining plays. Both were highly
religious. The actors of the time led an ambiguous life. In the first half of
the 16th century they were seen as little better than thieves; some, in fact,
were thieves (Lace, 73). While some actors were performing others would go
through the crowds and pick pocket (Lace, 74). Touring companies were small,
usually less than ten people (Lace, 74). Actors traveled by wagon and slept in
or under them (Lace, 74). Almost no women were actors, women’s parts were
played by younger boys (Lace, 74). Elizabethan theater was strongly influenced
by individuals and events – It also was an influence on the people themselves.

Although there were many outstanding actors and playwrights, only a few are
acknowledged for their affect in molding early theater. When Christopher Marlowe,
the most famous playwright in his time (Lace, 79), died, William Shakespeare was
his successor. Shakespeare decided drama was to be his career after seeing the
Queen’s Players during a visit to his hometown of Stratford-on-Avon in 1587
(Lace, 79). By the time of Marlowe’s death, Shakespeare was already well known
for his three part “Henry VI” in 1592 (Lace, 79). His plays “Love’s
Labour’s Lost” and “Romeo and Juliet”, both in 1594, were performed and
he became the most outstanding playwright of his time (Lace, 79). Before
Elizabeth’s reign was over, “Richard II”, “Julius Caesar”, “Henry
V”, and “Hamlet” had been performed (Lace, 79). James Burbage was the
second most influential actor of the Elizabethan period, but not only for his
acting talent. Burbage built the first ever public playhouse in England, opening
in 1576 (Unknown, 218). Burbage financed the building of “The Theater”
alone, a well off man but was still considered a rogue. Actors were not the only
influence on theater. When Mary Tudor decided the throne was rightfully hers,
the War of the Roses ensued (Lace, 73). Because of the War of the Roses, many
nobles, that employed actors, were killed (Lace, 73). This forced actors to form
their own troupes (Lace, 73). In 1572, parliament passed the Poor Laws, making
it a criminal offense to be a vagabond (Lace, 75). This reduced the number of
acting companies and required them to be licensed by the government (Lace, 75).

Companies already sponsored by nobles were given licenses (Lace, 75). This made
gaining legal status an important step for the acting profession (Lace, 75).

Informal protection was now backed up by the law, this was useful to the
increasing hostility of city officials towards plays and actors (Lace, 75). The
cornerstone of Elizabethan Drama were, in fact, the theater houses themselves.

At “The Theater” the price of admission was a penny, this entitled one to
stand on the ground around the stage (Lace, 77). The poorest and most boisterous
were looked down upon by the more well off,