In the Globe Theatre (the very first one), where were the 'poor spectators' accomadated and where were the 'rich'?
I think the poor may have been the ones standing in 'the pit' but i`m not too sure.
Yes. The poor spectators stood in the pit by the stage.
(Broken Link Removed)
A lot of these poor spectators were teenaged boys who skipped out on their apprenticeships to see a play. I believe that Shakespeare wrote some of the fight scenes -- as the one that begins Romeo and Juliet to grab their interest.
Thanks so much Ms. Sue =)
You're welcome, Lena. :-)
P.S. The one-penny seats were in an open pit around the stage. the two-penny seats were covered. There used to be the most fabulous Virtual Tour of the Globe online but it is no longer available. However, Clemson University has a nice one which takes a long time to download but is worth it. Let us know if you would like that link.
Sra
You are correct. In the original Globe Theatre, the poor spectators were indeed the ones who stood in an area known as "the pit" or "the yard." This area was located directly in front of the stage and had no seating. The pit was the cheapest area to watch the performances, and it was often crowded with people who couldn't afford the higher-priced seating options.
On the other hand, the wealthier spectators were accommodated in the seating galleries. These galleries were located on three sides of the theater and were divided into three levels, each with its own price range. The highest level, known as the "Lord's Rooms," was reserved for the highest-paying patrons, such as nobility and important guests. The middle and lower levels were available to those who could afford slightly lower prices.
It's worth noting that while the majority of the audience in the Globe Theatre was standing, there were also a limited number of cushioned seats, called "stools," available for rent. These stools were found in the galleries and were considered a more comfortable option for those who could afford it.