A History of Elizabethan Theatre Essay Example for Free

A History of Elizabethan Theatre Essay* put Shape and ConfigurationThe size of amphitheatre vary up to 100 feet in diameter. The stage shape was octagonal, circular in shape having between 8 and 24 sides. The open air arena, called the pit or the yard, had a raised stage at integrity end and was surrounded by three tiers of roofed galleries with balconies overlooking the back of the stage. The stage projected middle(a) into the pit. The Stage dimensions varied from 20 foot wide 15 foot deep to 45 feet to 30 feet. The height of the raised stage was 3 to 5 feet and supported by large pillars. The floor of the Stage was made of wood. The rear of the stage was a roofed house-like structure, supported by two large columns.* sceneryElizabethan stages were sparser in terms of decoration when compared to the equivalent in later eras, but items such as furniture, including pieces like tables and thrones, were used to embellish a scene. In some cases, more elaborate sets were used th ese include grassy banks, gallows frames and caves* CostumesThe costumes used in Shakespeares theater companies were perhaps one of the most effective forms of props employed, allowing actors to bound changes in character and even gender with relative ease. Many of these costumes captured the historical setting of specific Shakespearian plays for example, togas and breastplates were worn in performances of Titus Andronicus. Make-up, along with female clothing was used to depict women characters, since Elizabethan laws forbade women to act on stage.* LightingThere was natural lighting as plays were produced in the afternoon. However there was some man-made lighting mainly intended to provide atmosphere for night scenes.* SoundMusicians were used for music. Music was an free effect added in the 1600s. The musicians would also reside in the Lords rooms (best seats in the house).* Special doSometimes stage props served to recreate some special effect. Examples included fireworks, wh ich were set off to parallel lightning in outdoor scenes, and actual pistols without the bullets which would be shot whenever military salutes or fighting needed to be shown. Even brutes, such as dogs, were brought on stage in Shakespearean plays because creating a fake animal would have been more difficult. Trap doors would enable some special effects e.g. smoke.* Other Important Conventions