The Globe

The Globe

1 Have you ever seen a Shakespearean play?2 What do you think about the design of the Globe Theatre compared to modern theaters? 3 Do you think it would be more enjoyable to watch a play at the Globe Theatre or in a modern theater? 4 How do you think the experience of watching a play at the Globe Theatre would differ from watching it in a modern theater? 5 Do you think theaters should be allowed inside cities, or do you agree with the Puritans' view on theaters being disruptive?

Lead in

1 Who built the Globe Theatre in 1599? 2 How were Shakespeare's plays originally designed to be performed? 3 What were the options for viewers in the Globe Theatre? 4 Why were the viewers in the pit area known as Groundlings? 5 What caused the original Globe Theatre to burn down in 1613? 6 Where is the replica of the original Globe Theatre located today? 7 Are there other faithful reproductions of the Globe Theatre around the world?

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1 The Globe Theatre was built by a company of actors called Lord Chamberlain's Men, which included Shakespeare himself. 2 Shakespeare's plays were designed to be performed during the day in an open-air theatre without roof lights. 3 Viewers could either stand in the pit or yard in front of the stage, or sit in the round galleries. 4 The viewers in the pit area were known as Groundlings because they stood on the ground and risked getting wet if it rained. 5 The original Globe Theatre burned down in 1613 when a stage cannon misfired. 6 The replica of the original Globe Theatre is located a few hundred yards from its original location in London. 7 Yes, there are other faithful reproductions of the Globe Theatre around the world, including one in Rome.