Shape and Structure: The Globe Theatre was a circular wooden building with an open-air courtyard. The stage projected into the courtyard, and the audience stood or sat around the stage on three levels of wooden galleries.
Roof and Thatched Canopy: The Globe's roof covered only the inner part of the theatre, leaving the central area open to the sky. A thatched canopy extended over the stage, providing shelter for the actors.
Stage Design: The Globe's stage was an elevated platform without a curtain, and it included two main areas—a front stage and a rear stage. The front stage was where most of the action took place, and the rear stage was used for scenes requiring privacy, such as bedrooms or interiors.
Audience Experience: The Globe Theatre offered various seating options for its audience. Groundlings, the poorest of the attendees, stood in the open courtyard directly in front of the stage. Wealthier patrons could purchase seats on the galleries, which provided better views of the performances.
Natural Lighting: Since there was no artificial lighting in the Elizabethan era, performances at the Globe Theatre were held during the day when there was natural light. This influenced the timing and duration of plays.
Flexibility: The Globe Theatre's design allowed for flexibility in staging. Props, scenery, and platforms could be easily moved and arranged on the stage, enhancing the possibilities for diverse theatrical productions.
Intimate Setting: The Globe Theatre had a relatively small capacity of around 3,000 people. This created an intimate setting where the audience was close to the actors, enhancing the feeling of immediacy and engagement with the performances.
In contrast, modern theatres typically have proscenium stages, with the audience seated in rows facing the stage. They often feature elaborate lighting and sound systems, and many have air-conditioning and comfortable seating. These differences in design reflect changes in theatre architecture, technology, and audience preferences over the centuries.