There were no professional acting companies in Shakespeare's time, so actors were often part of traveling troupes that performed in town squares, guild halls, and other public spaces. These troupes were often led by a "master of the revels," who was responsible for organizing and directing the performances.
Actors in Shakespeare's time were not considered to be respectable members of society, and were often seen as little more than vagabonds and rogues. This was due in part to the fact that many actors were also prostitutes, and the theater was often associated with gambling, drinking, and other unsavory activities.
Despite the low social status of actors, the theater was a popular form of entertainment in Shakespeare's time. People of all social classes enjoyed attending plays, and the theater was often used as a way to promote political and social messages.
Shakespeare's plays were often performed at the Globe Theatre, a large outdoor theater that could hold up to 3,000 people. The Globe was located on the south bank of the Thames River, and was one of the most popular theaters in London.
The Globe Theatre was a circular building with a stage in the center. The stage was surrounded by a pit, where the groundlings (the poorest members of the audience) stood, and three tiers of galleries, where the more well-to-do members of the audience sat.
The Globe Theatre was a very different place from modern theaters. There were no artificial lights, so performances had to be held during the daytime. The audience was also very close to the actors, and often interacted with them during the performance.
Acting in Shakespeare's time was a challenging but rewarding profession. Actors had to be able to memorize long speeches, perform complex physical movements, and convey a wide range of emotions. They also had to be able to connect with the audience and make them feel like they were part of the story.
Despite the challenges, acting in Shakespeare's time was a way to achieve fame and recognition. Many of the most famous actors of the time, such as Richard Burbage and Will Kempe, became household names.