Let's talk Shakespeare
There is much we do not know about Shakespeare, but his part in theater history is undoubtedly one of the most famous and resounding contributions to the arts. In this page we'll break down some of the miscellaneous information about the theaters and people that surrounded this famous playwright. Shakespeare's troupe, known as the Lord Chamberlains Men, and later the Kings Men, helped some of these plays and theaters come together in London.
The People: Shareholders and actors
Shareholders:
Important Actors:
- Richard Burbage
- Cuthbert Burbage
- Thomas Pope
- Augustine Phillips
- John Hemmings
- William Shakespeare.... of course
Important Actors:
- Lawrence Fletcher
- Richard Cowley
- William Sly
- Robert Armin
- Henry Condell
- The Shareholders are believed to have all acted before as well
Richard Burbage
London theaters
- The Theatre
- The Curtain
- The Fortune
- The Globe
- The Rose
- The Cockpit
- Greyfriars
- Trinity Hall
- Drapers Hall
- Carpenters Hall
- The Bull Inn
- Saracen's Head
- The Bell Inn
- The Hope
- The Swan
- The Bull Ring
- 1st Bear Garden
- Newington Butts
Not all of these locations were strictly theaters but many were used to present these plays to private audiences, usually lords and upper class persons of a higher privilege. Shakespeare's plays were performed in front of many royals including Queen Elizabeth, King James, and Earl of Pembroke. The plague put a hold on all theatre activity from 1592 to 1594.