Professional Entertainers:
* Actors: Theatrical performances were a major form of entertainment. Playwrights like William Shakespeare wrote for companies of actors who would perform in both indoor and outdoor venues. These companies could range from small troupes to larger, more prestigious ones like the Lord Chamberlain's Men (Shakespeare's company).
* Musicians: Music was an integral part of Elizabethan life. Musicians played instruments like the lute, viol, recorder, and harpsichord, and often accompanied plays and dances.
* Dancers: Dancing was popular, with various court dances and folk dances enjoyed by both commoners and nobles.
* Acrobats, Jugglers, and Clowns: These performers provided variety entertainment, often working alongside actors in troupes.
Folk Entertainers:
* Bards and Minstrels: These performers travelled the countryside, singing songs and telling stories.
* Storytellers: Folk tales, legends, and historical accounts were a popular source of entertainment.
* Street Performers: Musicians, acrobats, and other performers would entertain crowds in public places.
Court Entertainers:
* Jesters: Professional fools who provided humor and satire, often criticizing the court and its inhabitants.
* Masquers: Elaborate, costumed dances and plays performed by the court itself.
* Performers of Exotic Acts: Foreign performers, such as tightrope walkers, animal trainers, or performers of exotic dances, were often brought to the court for entertainment.
Other Forms of Entertainment:
* Bear Baiting and Bull Baiting: These gruesome sports involved baiting a bear or bull with dogs, and were a popular form of entertainment for both the wealthy and the poor.
* Public Executions: While not intended as entertainment, these events drew large crowds, and were considered a form of public spectacle.
It is important to note that the Elizabethan era (1558-1603) saw a rise in professionalism and organization within the entertainment industry. While many performers were still itinerant, the rise of permanent theatres and professional companies changed the landscape of entertainment.