Acting companies and theaters of Shakespeare's time were organized in different ways. His company, with the building of the Globe, managed itself; the principal actors, including Shakespeare, shared in the takings and the expenses. Shakespeare and four others owned the Globe.
Shakespeare and his peers prospered in the theatrical industry, but under the law they needed powerful patrons to avoid being classified as "common players"—a low-status group without patrons or masters. Among the patrons under whose protection Shakespeare's company worked were the lord chamberlain and, later, King James himself.
Back ... Staging and Performance
Adapted from the Folger Library Shakespeare editions, edited by Barbara A. Mowat and Paul Werstine. © 2005 Folger Shakespeare Library
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Royal, military and court costumes of the time of James I. Watercolor, early 17th century
Folger Theatre
What's On: Folger Theatre
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