English Renaissance Theatre

English Renaissance theatre is sometimes referred to as Elizabethan theatre, but this does not take into account the drama produced throughout the reigns of King James I (Jacobean theatre 1603-1625) and King Charles I (Caroline theatre 1625-1649). Renaissance theatre spans the period of time from the emergence of English plays using blank verse in 1562 to the closure of theatres in 1642. This guide looks at the types of theatres and acting troupes established during this period. It then moves on to focus on some of the most well-known playwrights of the era and the most popular genres of drama.

Terminology

Drama and Performance:

• Caroline: referring to life in England under the reign of King Charles I, 1625-1649.
• Elizabethan: referring to life in England under the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, 1558-1603.
• Jacobean: referring to life in England under the reign of King James I, 1603-1625.
• Masque: a popular, lavish form of entertainment, favored by the Royal courts.
• Master of the Revels: a member of the Royal household, in charge of approving every play for theatrical performance.
• The Admiral’s Men: a popular company of actors during the Elizabethan and Stuart eras.
• The Chamberlain’s Men: a company of actors for whom William Shakespeare wrote for most of his career.

Technology:

• The Heavens: The roof and raised area above the stage.
• Trapdoor: A hinged or removable panel in a floor, ceiling, or roof.

Key Dates & Events

• 1576 - The Theatre was established in Shoreditch by James Burbage, a leading actor with the Earl of Leicester's Men.
• 1587 - The Rose Theatre was built on the south bank of the River Thames by businessman, Philip Henslowe.
• 1594 - The foundation of the Lord Chamberlain’s Men (became the King’s Men in 1603)
• 1597 - James Burbage died.
• 1597 - The lease was not renewed for the land on which the Theatre was built.
• 1599 - The first Globe Theatre opened and was a huge success.
• 1599 - The first of Shakespeare’s plays to be performed at the Globe Theatre was believed to have been Julius Caesar.
• 1613 - The first Globe Theatre burned down on June 29th during a performance of Henry VIII.
• 1642 - Long Parliament order to close all theatres.