Acting In Elizabethan Times

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Nowadays acting has become a very popular source of entertainment. One of the main times acting is first noticed was during medieval times. Back then church services were spoken in Latin and since not many people spoke the language, priest would often teach by acting them out. Plays were originally situated on an altar outside the church, but as time passed and they grew more popular, they were moved to a bigger platform. Soon there were not enough priest available to fill every role, so the church started hiring the townspeople. As more people joined, the plays quickly grew away from the church and started to take on many different genres. During the Elizabethan time period, acting was just spreading everywhere and involving more and more …show more content…

The actors would sleep in or under the wagons when they were between towns. Due to this, troupes used very little scenery in their plays since it all had to fit in said wagon. On another note, during the Elizabethan period women were not allowed to perform, so any parts that had a female character had to be done by a young man. Also, troupes were fairly low on money. Sometimes they would get lucky and the town would pay for their services, but a troupe mainly lives off of any money the audience gives them. They would spend a majority of their money on costumes. Costumes were the most expensive part because those who played the main characters wanted to go all out and dress up in the most elaborate and beautiful attire. Companies would also spend money hiring musicians or making musical instruments. “I have gone to plays more for music sake than for action” (Currie, 32) Music was used to advance to plot of the play, set the mood for an important scene, or they would put on short concerts.
Eventually acting reputations would sink even lower and it would become increasingly harder for a troupe to perform in towns. In 1572 the Poor Laws were passed. Making it a criminal offense to wander and not stick to one place, limited the amount of companies, and required a company to be licensed by the government. As a result, companies were formed. They were made up of no fewer than ten actors. Those with a higher reputation sought out nobles who would vouch for their honesty and good

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