- The Globe Theatre was an open-air amphitheatre with a circular, wooden structure.
- The stage projected into the audience, who stood in the "yard" while wealthier patrons sat in elevated galleries with covered seating.
- The diameter was about 30 meters, and the height was approximately 13 meters and could hold up to 3000 people.
Platform and Seating:
- The stage itself was a raised platform about 1.2 meters above the ground.
- The yard, the open area in front of the stage where most of the audience members stood, was paved with gravel.
- Galleries surrounded the yard on three sides, rising in tiers, and were divided into three levels (the lowest, middle, and upper).
Backstage:
- The backstage area, called the "tiring house," was located at the rear of the stage.
- It included a dressing room for actors, a property store, and a trap door that allowed actors to make sudden entrances or exits.
Roof:
- The Globe Theatre had a thatched roof made of straw, which covered approximately half of the structure.
- This provided shelter for the actors and the stage.
Decor:
- The theater itself had minimal ornamentation, relying primarily on the costumes, props, and acting to create the setting and atmosphere for each play.
- Scenery was usually implied through the use of props and banners, rather than elaborate sets.
Lighting and Special Effects:
- Performances took place during the day using natural lighting.
- Special effects were limited but may have included candles, fireworks, and sound effects.
Playbill and Performances:
- Playbills, detailing the plays, were distributed on the streets of London.
- Actors performed several plays in rotation to maintain interest and attract regular audiences.
Repertoire:
- The Globe primarily presented plays by William Shakespeare, his contemporaries, and other prominent playwrights of the time.
- The acting troupe that performed at the Globe was known as the "Lord Chamberlain's Men" and later as the "King's Men."
Overall, the Globe Theatre was a bustling center for artistic expression, innovation, and social gathering during the Elizabethan era in London.