The Elite:
* The Royal Court: Queen Elizabeth I herself was a huge fan of the theatre and attended plays regularly. The court was a major patron of the arts, and the presence of the monarch at performances added to the prestige of the plays.
* The Aristocracy: The nobility, eager to display their wealth and sophistication, were also frequent attendees. They occupied the most expensive seats in the theater.
* Wealthy Merchants and Businessmen: These individuals sought entertainment and social status, and often paid for seats in the galleries of the Globe Theatre.
The Commoners:
* The Groundlings: This was the name given to the common folk who stood in the pit (the unroofed, open area in front of the stage) of the theatre. They paid the cheapest admission and were known for their boisterous and sometimes unruly behaviour.
* Apprentices and Tradesmen: Many working-class people attended plays during their free time, providing an important source of revenue for the theatres.
Other Audiences:
* University Students: Plays were a form of entertainment and education for university students, who attended performances regularly.
* Women: While they weren't allowed to act on stage, women attended plays, often accompanied by their husbands or male relatives.
Important Notes:
* Playwright's Intentions: Many Elizabethan playwrights aimed to cater to the tastes of their diverse audience, including both the educated elite and the less literate groundlings.
* Social Commentary: Plays often addressed contemporary social issues, which resonated with people from all walks of life.
* Gender and Class: The makeup of the audience also reflects the social structures of the time, with men dominating the theatre and women having limited opportunities for participation.
It's important to remember that Elizabethan theatre was a vibrant and diverse phenomenon, with a wide range of individuals contributing to and enjoying its brilliance.