1. Playbills and Pamphlets:
- Playbills, also known as bills or playbills, were printed sheets of paper containing information about upcoming performances. These playbills typically included the title of the play, the names of the actors, and the date and time of the performance.
- The playbills were often posted in public places such as taverns, markets, and crossroads, where they could be easily seen by the general public.
2. Hand-Written Announcements:
- In some cases, hand-written announcements were used to notify the public about performances. These announcements were often posted on walls or in public spaces.
- The announcements could provide similar information to the playbills, such as the title of the play, the date and time of the performance, and the location.
3. Word of Mouth:
- Word-of-mouth communication played a significant role in spreading information about performances. As the theatre became popular, people who had attended previous shows would often share their experiences with friends, family, and acquaintances, generating interest and excitement about upcoming productions.
4. Town Crier:
- In some cases, the town crier, a person employed by the city to make public announcements, would be used to spread the news about upcoming performances.
- The town crier would walk through the streets, ringing a bell or making a loud noise to gather attention, and then announce the details of the performance.
5. Signs and Banners:
- Signs and banners were sometimes hung outside the theatre or in prominent public locations to advertise the performances.
- These signs and banners typically displayed the name of the theatre, the title of the play, and the dates of the performances.
It's important to note that the methods listed above were the primary means of public notification during Shakespeare's time. Advertising and marketing techniques were much simpler compared to today, and these methods allowed the theatre to effectively reach its target audience and generate excitement about upcoming shows.