It was built in 1599 by the actor and entrepreneur Richard Burbage, with funds provided by Cuthbert and Richard Burbage. The theatre was open to the sky and had a capacity of about 3,000 people.
Here are the main features of the Globe Theatre:
- The Stage:
The stage was a large, raised platform at the front of the theatre. It was typically covered with a canopy to protect the actors from the elements.
- The Yard:
The yard was the open area in front of the stage. This is where most of the audience stood. The yard was usually packed with people, and it was often quite noisy and chaotic.
- The Galleries:
The galleries were the tiers of seating that ran around the sides of the theatre. These seats were more expensive than the ones in the yard, and they offered a better view of the stage.
- The Heavens:
The heavens was the roof of the theatre. It was often painted with images of the sun, moon, and stars.
- The Hell:
The hell was the trap door in the stage that was used for special effects. It was often used to create the illusion of people appearing or disappearing from the stage.
- The tiring house
The tiring house was the room behind the stage where the actors got dressed and prepared for their performances. It also contained the props and costumes for the plays.