The Life of a Globe Theatre Actors

The reputation of the early Elizabethan Actors was not good and any were
viewed as no better than rogues and vagabonds - actors were not trusted. The
standing of Elizabethan Actors improved when the purpose-built theatres were
introduced and some of the Globe Theatre actors became the equivalent of
today's superstars.

The Skills of Globe Theatre Actors

William Shakespearean and the other Globe Theatre actors were expected to
perform their own stunts. Their skills would include sword fighting skills and
they had to be able to fall convincingly. The voices of the actors had to carry
well. To ensure that the plot was being communicated to the audience the
actors had to 'over-act', making exaggerated gestures with their arms and
hands. Their skills also had to include a good memory - there was a fast
turnover of plays and this skill was a great asset for an actor although not an
essential one.

Elizabethan Actors
Elizabethan Theatre Actors - the Superstars of the Elizabethan Theatre. The
famous actors who brought the plays and their plots to life. Edward Alley,
Henry Condell, William Shakespeare, Richard Burbage and John Hemmings
were probably the most famous of all Elizabethan actors. What were their lives
like? How much money did they make? How many plays did they perform in
each month? 

The Reputation of Elizabethan actors

The reputation of the early Elizabethan Actors was not good. Many were viewed
as Rogues and Vagabonds. Actors were not trusted. Travelling Elizabethan
Actors were considered such a threat that that regulations were imposed and
licenses were granted to the aristocracy for the maintenance of troupes of
players. Actors would be asked for these credentials - they were treated with
suspicion! Plays were regulated. Plays were subject to censorship - the content
of plays was checked to ensure that they did not contain political or religious
elements which might threaten the state. Elizabethan plays were often bawdy
and the audiences were rowdy.

The Lifestyle of Elizabethan actors

The popularity of the Elizabethan theatre increased enormously. The standing
of Elizabethan Actors improved when the purpose-built theatres were
introduced. A play could attract as many as 3000 people to the theatre and the
Elizabethan actors were the equivalent of today's superstars.

Many of the major Elizabethan Actors became stake holders in the theatres and
became wealthy men. They mixed with the nobility and played before royalty.