Globe Theatre StructureInteresting information about the Globe Theatre Structure description during the life and times of William Shakespeare and the Globe Theatre of Elizabethan London, England Globe Theatre Structure Description A structure is a permanent structure which is created by combining a number of parts or elements. The Globe Theatre Structure is described by detailing the features of the exterior and interior structure. It had been assumed that the Globe Theatre had been an octagonal shaped building. This assumption was based on the illustrated Visscher map engraving of 1616. But recent archaeological evidence and other documents, such as the illustrated Hollar map, indicate that it was actually a 20-sided building. Globe Theatre Exterior Structure Description The Globe Theatre Structure of the exterior description is as follows: - Open air arena about 100 feet in diameter - circular shape
- Circumference of the Globe Theatre was approximately 300 feet
- Built of of timber, nails, stone (flint) and plaster
- Two sets of stairs
- There were two doors - the Main entrance and the exit door
- The original Globe had a partly thatch roof. Following a fire the second Globe Theatre had a partly tiled roof
- The Roof spanned 46 feet
- The Globe Theatre also featured a flag pole
Globe Theatre interior Structure Description The Globe Theatre Structure of the interior description is as follows: - The arena was called the 'pit' or the 'yard' and had a raised stage at one end which projected halfway into the 'pit'
- The arena was surrounded by three tiers of roofed galleries with balconies
- The stage structure projected halfway into the ' yard ' where the commoners (groundlings) paid 1 penny to stand to watch the play
- The stage was 5 feet high and measured approx 45 foot wide and approx 30 feet long
- The stage wall structure contained at least two doors which lead to a leading to small structure, back stage, called the ' Tiring House '. The stage wall was covered by a curtain. The actors used this area to change their attire
- Above the ' Tiring House ' was a small house-like structure called the 'hut' complete with a roof. Used as covered storage space for the troupe
- Two large, ornate pillars supported a roof over the stage which was called the ' Heavens '
- Behind the pillars was the stage wall called the ' Frons Scenae '
- Above the stage wall was the stage gallery known as ' the Lord's rooms that were used by actors, musicians and rich patrons
- Either side of the central Lords Rooms were the 'Gentlemen's Rooms'
- Seating Structure - The seats in each of the three levels of galleries were tiered with three rows of wooden benches, increasing in size towards the back, following the shape of the building and structure
- The galleries were covered affording some shelter from the elements
Globe Theatre Structure Interesting Facts and information about the Globe Theatre Structure. Additional details, facts and information about the Globe Theatre can be accessed via the Globe Theatre Sitemap. |