1. Crowded and Diverse Audience: The Globe Theatre could hold up to 3,000 spectators, and the audience was a mix of people from all walks of life—from noblemen and wealthy merchants to apprentices, laborers, and even pickpockets. This created a diverse and often boisterous crowd.
2. Standing Room Only: The majority of the audience stood in the yard or "pit" area in front of the stage. This created a highly energetic and interactive environment where the audience was in close proximity to the actors and could react directly to the performance.
3. Lively Atmosphere: People came to the theatre not only for the entertainment but also to socialize and be seen. The audience members would often talk, applaud, heckle, and interact with each other and the performers.
4. No Artificial Lighting: Performances were held during daylight hours, usually starting around 2 pm, taking advantage of natural sunlight. Artificial lighting was not used in the theatre, so performances had to be completed before dusk.
5. Open-Air Setting: The Globe Theatre had an open-air design with a thatched roof. This allowed for good acoustics and ventilation but meant that performances were at the mercy of the weather, including rain, wind, and occasional storms.
6. Stagecraft and Special Effects: The Globe Theatre was known for its impressive and innovative stagecraft. Special effects, such as trap doors, thunder machines, and pyrotechnics, were often used to enhance the dramatic storytelling.
7. Interaction with Actors: Actors would sometimes step off the stage and engage with the audience, creating an immersive and intimate theatrical experience.
8. Variety of Performances: In addition to plays, the Globe Theatre also hosted other forms of entertainment, such as acrobatic acts, juggling, music, and dancing, catering to a wide range of tastes.
Overall, the atmosphere at the Globe Theatre in Shakespeare's time was characterized by a shared sense of excitement, creativity, and energy that brought together people from all backgrounds to experience the thrill of live theatre and the power of storytelling.