This document provides background information on Renaissance drama and William Shakespeare. It discusses the origins of European drama in religious plays like mysteries and moralities. It then focuses on Shakespeare, noting that he was born in Stratford-upon-Avon and received little formal education. Though he never attended university, he became a successful playwright in London, writing 37 plays and collaborating with the Lord Chamberlain's Men and the King's Men theater troupes. The document also provides details on the Globe Theatre and notes some of Shakespeare's influences, such as Holinshed's Chronicles.

1. Renaissance Dramaand Shakespeare

2. A Medieval European village

3. The Middle Ages Started in churches Was very religious in nature Gradually became less religious Used comedy Deus ex machina The Origins of European Drama

4. Miracles and Mysteries – taught stories from the Bible and saints’ legends Moralities – taught people how to live and die The Pardoner’s Tale Interludes – one act plays Allowed playwrights to become known Created a foundation for Renaissance playwrights Four Types of Plays

5. Europe Europe

6. Born in Stratford on Avon. Never attended university. Only formal education was in grammar school Studied Latin and Classical literature Married Anne Hathaway when he was 18 years old. Together had 3 children – Susanna, and twins Hamnet (boy) and Judith. William Shakespeare (1564 – 1616)

7. Moved to London to pursue career in the theater. Started out tending to horses of theater patrons Eventually worked his way up to writing plays Sometimes acted in plays Patron -- The Earl of Southampton Joined and became a major shareholder/principal playwright for Lord Chamberlain’s Men King James I The King’s Men Shakespeare…

8. The Theater is Closed… In 1593, all of the theatres of London closed due to the plague.

9. Wrote 37 plays Was most concerned with seeing the play performed on stage Died comfortably in Stratford as a semi-retired gentleman  Unusual for a playwright 36 plays published after his death The First Folio Shakespeare’s Success

10. “The Theater” – first theater ever built Built by the Earl of Leicester’s Men “The Globe” Shakespeare’s theater London’s Renaissance Theater

11. The Globe

12. Large circular structure, three stories high Thatched roof Featured a raised stage Fit around 3,000 people Did not have a curtain Featured shows only during daytime Theater patrons were permitted to sit on the stage General admission cost 1 penny Above the main entrance "Totusmundusagithistrionem" (The whole world is a playhouse). The Globe – Quick Facts

13. Groundlings – stood at center of theater Stood entire 3 hour performance, rain or shine Galleries and Upper-levels More expensive (2 pennies) Allowed patrons to sit Two types of theater-goers

16. “The Heavens”

18. The Holinshed’s Chronicle – a historical text of the history of England, Scotland and Ireland Was the inspiration for many of Shakespeare’s plays Macbeth written in honor of King James I. Inspiration for Macbeth