Theatergoers would line up outside the Globe, often arriving well in advance of the performance to secure a good spot. Entry fees varied based on the seating area, with the most expensive seats located in the covered galleries and the cheapest available in the open yard (known as the "groundlings").
2. Standing or Seating:
The groundlings would stand throughout the performance in the yard area, forming a lively and interactive audience directly beneath the stage. Meanwhile, those who could afford it would sit in the wooden galleries, which offered protection from the elements and better sightlines of the stage.
3. Audience Participation:
The Globe's audience was not passive bystanders. They actively engaged with the performances, expressing their opinions and reactions loudly and openly. Applause and cheers showed approval, while hissing, booing, and throwing objects showed displeasure.
4. Stage Effects and Music:
The Globe utilized various stage effects to create a vibrant theatrical experience. Simple props, costumes, and sound effects were employed to enhance the storytelling. Musicians and singers would accompany performances with live music, setting the mood and amplifying the emotions conveyed by the actors.
5. Audience Noise:
The atmosphere inside the Globe was far from quiet. Groundlings would converse, eat, drink, and even gamble during the performances. Noise from street vendors hawking food and drink could also be heard. Despite the distractions, the actors were skilled at capturing and maintaining the audience's attention.
6. Length of Performance:
Most plays at the Globe ran for approximately two to three hours. However, some could last significantly longer, with breaks and intermissions occasionally included to accommodate the needs of the audience and performers.
7. The Audience's Social Makeup:
The Globe attracted a diverse audience, representing a cross-section of Elizabethan society. It catered to patrons from all walks of life, including the wealthy, the middle class, and the common folk. People of different social backgrounds often mingled and shared the experience of live theater.
8. Playbills:
Playbills, in the form of single-sheet advertisements, were distributed prior to performances to inform the audience about the upcoming play and its cast members. These playbills often contained snippets of dialogue and highlighted any remarkable features or special effects that the audience could expect to see.
Overall, the theater-going experience at the Globe Theatre was lively, interactive, and deeply engaging. It was an essential part of Elizabethan culture, providing entertainment and a shared social experience for Londoners from all walks of life.