The yard:
- Also known as the groundlings or the standing area
- Located in the open-air courtyard of the theater
- Was the cheapest area of the theater and was typically filled with poor people, tradesmen, and apprentices
- Patrons stood in the yard for the entire performance, unless they chose to sit on the steps leading to the galleries
- Was more exposed to the elements, such as rain or wind
The pit:
- Located near the stage at the front of the theater
- Was also standing room, but it was raised slightly above the yard and was therefore more expensive
- Was named the pit because it would often accumulate rainwater and mud, making it a rather uncomfortable place to stand
- Was also patronized by poorer people, but there was a greater chance of audience members being hit with props or spit on by actors on stage
- Was not covered, similar to the yard, and so the audience in the pit were also exposed to the elements