1. Open-Air Amphitheaters: Elizabethan theatres were open-air structures, allowing audiences to experience performances under the natural sky. This outdoor setting created a unique connection between the actors and the spectators.
2. Architecture: Elizabethan theatres were typically circular or polygonal in shape with a courtyard in the center. The stage was placed at one end of the courtyard and was elevated, so everyone could have a clear view of the performance.
3. Audience Seating: The seating arrangements in Elizabethan theatres varied. Wealthier patrons sat on benches or stools in covered galleries or "lords' rooms." These galleries provided comfort and shelter for the upper classes. Commoners, also called "groundlings," stood in the courtyard, surrounding the stage.
4. The Globe Theatre: The most famous Elizabethan theatre is Shakespeare's Globe Theatre in London. Built around 1599, it was owned and managed by the Lord Chamberlain's Men, the acting troupe that included Shakespeare himself. The Globe stood on the south bank of the River Thames and was destroyed by fire in 1613. It was reconstructed in 1997 as the modern Globe Theatre.
5. Platform Stage: The Elizabethan stage was a platform that extended into the courtyard, allowing actors to interact closely with the audience. It was relatively bare, without elaborate sets, and relied heavily on the actors' performances to convey the story.
6. Actors and Roles: Elizabethan theatre companies were made up of men and boys, as women were not allowed to perform on stage during that time. Actors specialized in different types of roles, such as heroes, villains, clowns, and female characters.
7. Costumes: Costumes were integral to the performances. Actors wore vibrant, elaborate outfits that symbolized their characters' social status, personality, and intentions.
8. Lighting: Performances primarily took place during the day, making use of natural light. Artificial lighting, such as candles, was used for nighttime performances or to create specific effects.
9. Audience Participation: The audience played an active role in Elizabethan theatre. They often interacted with the actors, offering verbal responses and reactions. This interaction heightened the overall experience and connection between performers and spectators.
10. Repertory System: Elizabethan theatre companies operated on a repertory system, meaning they had a repertoire of plays that were performed regularly. This allowed them to experiment and build strong connections with their audience.
Elizabethan theatres were places of creativity, innovation, and cultural exchange. They laid the foundation for modern theater and provided a stage for some of the greatest works in dramatic literature.