Globe Theater Globe diagram overview This is one

Globe Theater Globe diagram overview

This is one artist’s sketch of the Globe Theatre n n n one of the first established theatres in London built in 1599 by Richard and Cuthbert Burbage Lord Chamberlain’s Men - an acting company that played there for profit

1. The Lord’s Rooms n n Private box seats Nobles seated close to stage, partly to see, partly to be seen 6 pence admission fee Cushions on the seats

2. The Balcony n n n Upper-level stage area Scenes such as balconies, towers, battlements of the castle, heights of a mountainside Could be sold as high priced seats if not needed for the play

3. Inner Stage n n Behind a curtain Could stage a tomb, a cave, an adjacent room

4. Thrust Stage n n n About 50 ft wide, 5 ft high, 20 ft deep Juts out into the audience so action can be viewed from three sides Trap door in floor led to space below

5. Pit or Yard n n n Open area for audience to stand watch the play Cost 1 pence admission fee Open roof allowed weather in from above These viewers called “groundlings” Smelly, packed, dirty

6. Hell n n n Space below the raised, thrust stage Storage room for large props Characters could ascend/descend through the trap door for ghost, cemetery, etc. scenes

7. The Tiring Room n n n Backstage area Like a modern day “green room” Actors waited for their next scene, obtained needed props, changed dress, fixed makeup/wigs

8. The Gallery n n Highest balcony area over the stage Musicians/singers performed from this area

9. Hut n n n Storage area over the stage Sound effects made here Pulley/wench system for lowering actors down through the roof over the stage

10. White Flag n Flown on days a play was going to be presented

11. Heavens n n n Solid covering over the stage area to keep actors dry Painted with symbols of zodiac, sun, moon, stars Trapdoor leading to the hut

12. Wardrobe n n Safe storage for expensive, elaborate costumes Protected from weather and thieves

Seating galleries n n Bench seats cost 2 pence for admission an extra pence would rent you a cushion protected from bad weather Good view of the stage