Shakespeare and the Globe Theatre Actors and Performances

William Shakespeare was an actor and co-owner at the Globe Theatre. "Julius Caesar" was likely the first of his plays performed in the new...

Isabella and Francesco Andreini of Commedia dell’Arte Gelosi

Isabella Andreini, playwright and prima donna, and comic Francesco Andreini performed with commedia dell'arte's foremost company, the Gelosi. Early companies of commedia dell’arte comprised all-male...

16th Century London Theatrical Venues: Stages for Touring Theatre Companies Developed...

Queen Elizabeth fully supported the theatre but the London politicians did not, so traditional venues were utilized by acting companies. The Queen enjoyed the plays...

Blackfriars Theatre in Renaissance London

A monastery built in 1278 by Dominican monks was closed in 1538 by Henry VIII, used as site of two theatres, and permanently closed...