enjoy the play
Welcome to the theatre
Do you like theater? How often do you go to the theater? What is your favorite play?
The Globe Theatre
its features, advantages and disadvantages
How has theatre changed?
Look at the pictures and say how the Globe Theatre is different from modern theatres
The Globe Theatre vs Modern TheatresThe Globe Theatre was very different from modern theatres. It was an open-air theatre, so it did not have a roof over the main auditorium. The audience sat in the balcony / circle or mezzanine, while poorer spectators stood in the orchestra, also called the yard.
The stage was also very different. The Globe had a large stage that extended into the audience, so the actors were surrounded by spectators. There were wings, but there was no modern backstage area like in most theatres today. The Globe also had very simple scenery / sets. Instead of changing large sets, Shakespeare's actors often used words and props to show where the action was happening.
Another important difference is the curtain. Modern theatres usually have a curtain / drop curtain that separates the stage from the house. At the Globe, there was no large curtain like the ones we see in modern theatres. The actors entered and left through the backstage area and the wings.
Modern theatres usually have comfortable seats, a roof, sophisticated lighting and sound systems, and elaborate scenery / sets. They also often have clearly separated areas for the audience and the performers. At the Globe, the audience was much closer to the actors, and the atmosphere was more interactive.
So, the main difference is that the Globe was open, simple and interactive, while modern theatres are generally more comfortable, technologically advanced and separated from the audience.
The stage was also very different. The Globe had a large stage that extended into the audience, so the actors were surrounded by spectators. There were wings, but there was no modern backstage area like in most theatres today. The Globe also had very simple scenery / sets. Instead of changing large sets, Shakespeare's actors often used words and props to show where the action was happening.
Another important difference is the curtain. Modern theatres usually have a curtain / drop curtain that separates the stage from the house. At the Globe, there was no large curtain like the ones we see in modern theatres. The actors entered and left through the backstage area and the wings.
Modern theatres usually have comfortable seats, a roof, sophisticated lighting and sound systems, and elaborate scenery / sets. They also often have clearly separated areas for the audience and the performers. At the Globe, the audience was much closer to the actors, and the atmosphere was more interactive.
So, the main difference is that the Globe was open, simple and interactive, while modern theatres are generally more comfortable, technologically advanced and separated from the audience.
At Shakespeare’s Globe, the stage was divided symbolically into three levels: Heavens, Earth, and Hell.
Heavens — the space above the stage. There was a large canopy decorated with images of the sky, stars, the moon, and zodiac signs. It represented heaven. Actors could sometimes appear from above through a trapdoor, for example, when playing gods or supernatural characters.
Stage / Earth — the main stage represented Earth, or the human world. Most of the action took place here. The stage extended into the audience, so the actors were very close to the spectators.
Hell — the space underneath the stage. It represented Hell or the underworld. A special trapdoor in the stage floor allowed actors to appear from below or disappear into it. This was especially effective for scenes involving death, ghosts, or supernatural events.
So, the Globe had a symbolic vertical structure.
Heavens — the space above the stage. There was a large canopy decorated with images of the sky, stars, the moon, and zodiac signs. It represented heaven. Actors could sometimes appear from above through a trapdoor, for example, when playing gods or supernatural characters.
Stage / Earth — the main stage represented Earth, or the human world. Most of the action took place here. The stage extended into the audience, so the actors were very close to the spectators.
Hell — the space underneath the stage. It represented Hell or the underworld. A special trapdoor in the stage floor allowed actors to appear from below or disappear into it. This was especially effective for scenes involving death, ghosts, or supernatural events.
So, the Globe had a symbolic vertical structure.
How were Shakespeare’s plays staged at the Globe Theatre?
Would you like to visit the Globe Theatre?
Watch the video and answer the following questions
- How many spectators could the Globe Theatre accommodate?
- How much did admission cost?
- What does “box office” mean today?
- What sets were used in the theatre?
- Was there anything more important than sets in the theatre?
- What is a canopy?
- What was special about the cast of actors?
- Were there any female actresses?
- What is a trap door, and what did it symbolize?
- What is a tiring house?
- What is a playing company?
- According to Shakespeare, what was one of the most important things in a performance?
