The Globe Theatre was a large circular theatre built in London in 1599. It was one of the most popular theatres in the city and was home to many of Shakespeare's plays. The theatre had a capacity of about 3,000 people and was divided into three main sections: the pit, the middle gallery, and the upper gallery.
The Pit
The pit was the largest section of the theatre and was located in the centre. It was standing room only and was typically filled with the lower classes. The pit was a very lively area and was where most of the action took place.
The Middle Gallery
The middle gallery was located above the pit and was reserved for the middle classes. It was a seating area and was typically filled with merchants, lawyers, and other professionals. The middle gallery was a more comfortable area than the pit and offered better views of the stage.
The Upper Gallery
The upper gallery was located at the top of the theatre and was reserved for the upper classes. It was a seating area and was typically filled with nobles, gentry, and other members of the upper classes. The upper gallery was the most expensive area of the theatre and offered the best views of the stage.
Segregation by Social Class
The Globe Theatre was a segregated theatre and people were seated according to their social class. The upper classes sat in the upper gallery, the middle classes sat in the middle gallery, and the lower classes stood in the pit. This segregation was a reflection of the social hierarchy of Elizabethan society.