1. All-Male Casts: In Shakespeare's time, all actor roles, even female characters, were played by men and boys known as "boy actors." This was because women were not allowed to perform on public stage, a practice rooted in societal conventions and restrictions.
2. Apprenticeship System: Actors were typically trained through an apprenticeship system. They would join a theatrical companies as apprentices and learn the craft under the guidance of experienced actors or theater managers.
3. Limited Social Status: Actors were generally considered to be of low social status. Many laws even restricted their rights and privileges. They were often seen as vagrants or rogues, and some towns restricted them from performing in certain locations.
4. Touring Companies: Actors often worked with traveling theater companies that toured various towns, cities, and even countries. They would perform in public theaters, such as the Globe Theatre, as well as in private houses and courts.
5. Royal Patronage: Despite their low social status, some actors gained royal patronage and became performers for noblemen and the royal court. These actors enjoyed some social status and economic stability.
6. Influence of the Church: The Church often criticized actors for their portrayal of religious figures or for indulging in immoral behavior. Religious beliefs and moral considerations influenced the way actors were perceived and the restrictions they faced.
7. Double Casting: Due to the limited number of actors in a company, actors often played multiple roles in the same production, requiring quick changes of costumes and characters.
8. Diverse Repertoires: Actors were expected to have diverse skills, being able to perform in various genres, such as history plays, comedies, and tragedies.
These unusual aspects of actors during Shakespeare's time provide insights into the challenges they faced and the sociocultural context in which they operated.