- Three story, circular building with a diameter of 100'.
- Held between 2000-3000 people.
- Outer walls were lime plastered wooden frames with timber beams.
- Thatched roof protected "groundlings.".
Seating
- Three levels of box seating were covered with a thatch canopy roof.
- Galleries ran around the periphery of the building.
- The lowest level or "groundling pit" was open to the sky and accommodated those who paid the least for admission.
- Galleries had the following sections:
- Lord's Room: Private boxes for the wealthy and important.
- The Gentlemen's Rooms: Boxes for the well-to-do.
- The "Twopenny" Rooms: For the general public.
Stage and Actors
- 43' in diameter, thrust out into the theater.
- Trap doors allowed for quick exits.
- Canopy overhead provided cover from the elements.
- No curtains or scenery.
- Actors could use stage properties: barrels, stools, and tables.
- Actors were all male and wore costumes appropriate to their roles.
- Female characters were played by young male actors.
Audience and Performances
- Performances generally held in afternoon unless prohibited by the weather.
- Groundlings were an energetic, boisterous crowd that responded directly to the actors.
- Prices for admission ranged from 1 penny (groundlings) to 6 pence (best seating).
- Performances could be interrupted by weather or other problems, and would be stopped by official decree during times of plague.