* The Globe Theatre was a theatre in London associated with the Lord Chamberlain's Men acting company, of which William Shakespeare was a member.
* It was built in 1599 by actor and entrepreneur Richard Burbage, who also played the title role in Shakespeare's _Hamlet_.
* The Globe was London's first purpose-built theatre for playing drama, and it was one of the most popular venues for plays during Shakespeare's lifetime.
How Plays Were Performed
* Plays at the Globe Theatre were typically performed in the afternoon.
* The theatre could hold up to 3,000 people.
* Most of the audience stood in the yard, or "pit", of the theatre, while a wealthier few sat in the galleries that surrounded the stage.
* The stage was a raised platform at the far end of the theatre.
* It was not lit, so performances had to take place during the day.
* Actors wore elaborate costumes and used props to create their characters.
* Music was often played to accompany the performances.
The Globe Theatre was a popular and successful venue for plays during Shakespeare's lifetime.
It was closed in 1642 by the Puritan government, but it was rebuilt in 1997 on the site of its original location.
Today, the Globe Theatre is a popular tourist destination and a venue for Shakespearean performances.