1. Actor's Share: As a member of the Lord Chamberlain's Men (later known as the King's Men), Shakespeare would have received a share of the theater's profits from performances. The acting company was responsible for all aspects of production, including venue rental, costumes, and staging, so their earnings would depend on ticket sales. However, there are no specific figures recorded that detail Shakespeare's daily earnings from acting alone.
2. Playwright's Fees: Shakespeare also earned income by selling his plays to theater companies. The exact rates he received for his plays vary and are not documented consistently. However, some records indicate that playwrights typically received a one-time payment for the rights to their plays, ranging from a few pounds to as much as £20. This payment covered all future performances of the play by the theater company, and Shakespeare would not have received additional royalties or daily fees for subsequent performances.
3. Shares in the Theater: Shakespeare became a shareholder in the Globe Theater in 1599. This investment provided him with a portion of the theater's profits, but it is unclear how much he earned daily from this shareholding.
4. Other Sources: Beyond his theatrical income, Shakespeare also earned money through other sources, including dedications of his works to wealthy patrons, publishing ventures such as the publication of his sonnets, and investments in real estate. These additional sources of income contributed to his overall wealth, but their daily impact on his income is difficult to determine.
Given these factors, it is challenging to provide an exact figure for William Shakespeare's daily earnings. However, it is clear that he was a successful and financially secure individual for his time, accumulating wealth through his theatrical and literary endeavors, as well as prudent investments.