What acting roles did women play on stage during shakespeare time?

During the Elizabethan era, when William Shakespeare wrote his plays, women were not permitted to perform on the public stage in England. All female roles were played by young boys or men known as "boy actors." These boys were typically apprentices to theater companies and received extensive training in acting, dancing, and singing. They were chosen for their youthful appearance, clear voices, and ability to convincingly portray female characters.

Boy actors often wore elaborate costumes and makeup to enhance their feminine appearance. They would bind their chests to create a more slender figure and wear wigs and false eyelashes to complete the illusion. Despite these efforts, it was not uncommon for audiences to be aware that the female roles were being played by men, and this fact often added an element of humor or irony to the performances.

The practice of using boy actors to play female roles continued until the late 17th century, when women began to appear on the English stage. One of the most famous actresses of this period was Elizabeth Barry, who was renowned for her performances in Shakespearean plays. The emergence of women on the stage marked a significant shift in theatrical practice and paved the way for greater opportunities for female actors in the centuries that followed.