By; Jessica Simmons, Briana LeFlorie, Nia Williams, Laquita Wilson, and Bianca Milburn

The Birth of the Globe Theatre

The Globe Theatre was founded by English actor and theatre builder James Burbage.

Burbage built the Globe theatre in 1576 Shore ditch, London as well as signed a 21 year lease of the land.

The Globe Theatre was the first built playhouse in London.

James Burbage 1531–1597

Globe Theatre Beginning

The Globe Theatre was the result of playwriting.

Before the Globe Theatre was built, plays were often performed at; inns, inn yards, college halls, and private houses.

Shakespeare joined the company in 1580 and that began a 20 year legacy.

Money Tight?

In 1596 a dispute arose over the renewal of the lease.

Since Burbage died February 1597, and the lease was over that same year in April Burbage brother in law and sons had to find out an answer to their problem.

Shakespeare along with 3 other actors bought a share of the Globe Theatre.

By 1599 the theatre was again up and running after a 2 year feud.

Cheaters never win!!

Because of the Globe Theatre success other actors and writers (Edward Alleyn) had sneaky tactics!

Rival theater companies would send their members to attend plays to produce unauthorized copies of plays - notes were made and copied as quickly as possible. In Shakespeare’s time copyright did not exist.

Typical Day at The Globe Theatre

The Globe Theatre consisted of trapped doors, (10), Elizabeth advertising (1), smoke effects, cannon ball firings, dressing rooms,(3), 1 cent admission for the groundlings, (8), concession stands and admission, (11), there was no artificial lighting so plays were held in the morning to late afternoon, all actors were men and women roles were portrayed by dressed up men, the Globe theatre would be extremely packed bustling with young adults.

Shakespeare’s Profit

Shakespeare owned a 20% share of the profits made at the Globe theatre. Sadly he only received 10% because Burbage still technically owned 10% of the theatre after his demise.

It is said that Shakespeare wrote plays continuously about 10 a week and performed the next day after being written because of the high popularity of the plays.

Burning Up!!

In 1613, during a performance of Henry VIII, wadding from a stage cannon ignited the thatched roof and the theatre burned to the ground ‘all in less than two hours.

Although the theatre was abruptly rebuilt, Shakespeare didn’t write any plays for it although he did continue acting at the theatre. The theatre closed during the England Puritan Administration in 1642.

Works Cited

"Globe Theatre Shakespeare." Globe Theatre. Web. 05 Jan. 2011. <http://www.globe-theatre.org.uk/globe-theatre-shakespeare.htm>.

Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, Bankside, Southwark, London. Web. 05 Jan. 2011. <http://www.shakespeares-globe.org/>.