The Globe Theater

5 Pages 1261 Words

Built in 1599, the Globe Theater was one of the most influential playhouses of the Renaissance. Its large design and noteworthy plays made it one of the most popular and influential forms of entertainment in London. The Globe Theater brought about a revolution in entertainment for the masses that can still be felt today
James Burbage pioneered the original concept for the Globe’s theater design. It is believed that bear battling rings of the time inspired the Globe’s design. The arenas high, two story, construction and circular shape are very similar to the Globe. It is also believed that he used the Roman Circus as a distant source for inspiration. The circus’s tall stand allowed for optimum viewing of the arena from all seats.
The first Globe-type theater constructed by Burabage was The Theater. Standing over thirty feet tall and three stories high, The Theater was an impressive sight. Built on leased land north of the London Bridge, the London law-enforcement had no jurisdiction in the area.
The first step in the construction of The Theater was assembling in heavy timber frame. Interestingly, The Theater was not round, but was made of twenty short sides. The frame was first cut and assembled at a London builders yard. The timbers that composed the frame were then marked at all joints with numerals to show where and how they were to be put back together. The framework was then hauled to The Theater’s construction sight where it was reassembled.
After the frame was set, the walls were added to the framework. The wall cavities were first filled with waddle, an inexpensive insulation, and then plastered over. This allowed for a sturdy construction at a minimum cost.
The roof of The Theater was mad from thatch. Thatcher, or tillers, laid and secured thatch to cover the gallery balcony. They also thatched and covered the stage that allowed the show to continue, even in rain.
The stage of the globe was a very versatile tool....