1. Playwriting:
a. Playwrights in Shakespeare's time typically received a one-time payment for their plays, called the "author's fee."
b. Records show that Shakespeare received an average of £20 per play. Some plays, such as "Hamlet," may have earned him more.
c. Assuming he wrote around 37 plays, Shakespeare's total income from playwriting could have been around £740.
2. Acting:
a. Shakespeare was also an actor and performed in many of his own plays.
b. Actors' salaries varied based on their experience and popularity. Shakespeare likely earned a decent income as a leading actor.
c. It's estimated that he could have earned around £200 per year from acting.
3. Theatrical Management:
a. Shakespeare eventually became a shareholder and manager of the Globe Theatre, which opened in 1599.
b. As a shareholder, he received a portion of the profits from the theater's performances.
c. The Globe was one of the most popular theaters in London, and Shakespeare's share of the profits could have been substantial.
4. Royal Patronage:
a. Shakespeare's plays were performed for Queen Elizabeth I and King James I, who granted him royal patronage.
b. This recognition brought him prestige and likely increased the demand for his plays.
c. The financial rewards from royal patronage are not well-documented, but they may have contributed to Shakespeare's wealth.
In summary, William Shakespeare's income likely came from a combination of playwriting, acting, and theatrical management. While it's difficult to pinpoint exact figures, it's estimated that he earned a substantial amount of money during his career, making him one of the most successful writers and actors of his time.