1. Rehearsal Process: In Shakespeare's time, rehearsals were relatively informal and did not involve the same level of detailed direction and preparation as they do today. Actors would often learn their lines and blocking on the spot, during the first few performances of the play. In the 20th century, rehearsals became much more structured, with directors taking a more active role in guiding the actors' performances and ensuring that every detail was carefully planned and executed.
2. Repertory System: Shakespeare's theater company, the Lord Chamberlain's Men, operated on a repertory system, meaning that they performed a different play every day. This required the actors to be highly adaptable and able to quickly learn new roles. In the 20th century, most theaters moved away from the repertory system and instead focused on producing a single play for an extended run.
3. Touring: Shakespeare's company toured throughout England, traveling from town to town and performing in various venues. This required the actors to be constantly on the move and adapt to different performance spaces. In the 20th century, theaters became more centralized and most productions took place in established venues.
4. Audience Interaction: In Shakespeare's time, audiences were much more vocal and interactive than they are today. Actors often engaged directly with the audience, and it was common for groundlings (the audience members who stood in the pit of the theater) to heckle or interact with the actors during the performance. In the 20th century, audiences became increasingly passive and refrained from interacting with the actors.
5. Audience Composition: Shakespeare's plays were performed for a wide range of audience members, from royalty and nobles to commoners and tradesmen. This necessitated a delicate balance in the content and language of the plays to appeal to a diverse audience. In the 20th century, theaters began to cater to more specific audiences, and plays became more tailored to particular demographics and interests.
Overall, Shakespeare's daily routine reflected the dynamic and collaborative nature of theater during the Elizabethan era, while 20th-century playwrights operated within a more refined and structured theatrical system.