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Renaissance Drama
Theatre History Presentation
Mrs. Greer
Time Period
1577-The Curtain was built
Authorities feared
the plague would
spread to others
during the traveling
morality plays
1576-James Burbage built
the first playhouse called
the Theatre as a result of
the authorities
condemning morality
plays in the country
1587-The Rose
was built
1598-The Globe Theatre
was built
1616Shakespeare dies
1608-Shakespeare’s
theatre company, All
the King’s Men,
presented plays
inside the city limits
1642all theatres
were closed by
the Puritans
when they over
threw Charles I
Characteristics
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Theatres were two tiered
Little to no scenery
Shows took place in the afternoon
Theatres owned by wealthy noblemen
Plays were written for & paid for by the theatre
owner
• Anyone could attend a play, but you were
charged by your class
• There were many enemies of the theatre
Characteristics
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All actors were male
Men played female roles
Costumes were expensive and elaborate
Theatres & their actors
were in competition with one another
• At any given time, actor’s played 5 or more
different characters in various plays
Theatre Developments
• Theatres were built for the purpose of
theatre!
• Emphasis on costumes (but not
necessarily correct time period)
• Main stage, trap doors, fly system, and
multiple entrances
Notable Playwrights & Actors
• William Shakespeare
Romeo & Juliet
• Ben Jonson
The Alchemist
• Christopher Marlowe
Doctor Faustus
Questions for Review
1. Why were theatres originally built?
2. Name two advances in theatre
productions that occurred because
theatre troupes were no longer traveling.
3. Why were theatres such as the Rose &
the Globe closed down?