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Theatre Finance And Society In Early Modern England Cambridge Studies In Economic And Social History

Ralph Ellison

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Published in Theatre Finance And Society In Early Modern England (Cambridge Studies In Renaissance Literature And Culture 31)

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The Playhouse as a Business
Playhouse Shares
The Actors
The Audience

The theatre was a major part of English society in the early modern period. It was a place where people could go to be entertained, to learn about the world, and to socialize. But the theatre was also a business, and it was subject to the same economic forces as any other industry. This book explores the complexities of theatre finance in early modern England and discusses the various ways in which the theatre was connected to the wider society.

Theatre Finance and Society in Early Modern England (Cambridge Studies in Renaissance Literature and Culture 31)

Theatre, Finance and Society in Early Modern England (Cambridge Studies in Renaissance Literature and Culture Book 31)

by Theodore B. Leinwand

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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The Playhouse as a Business

The playhouse was a significant investment that required substantial capital to build. The money was often raised through the sale of shares, each of which gave the owner a share of the profits. The shareholders in the theatre were typically wealthy individuals who were looking for a financial return on their investment.

The running costs of the theatre were also high and included the salaries of the actors, the musicians, and the stage crew. The theatre also had to pay rent on the land it occupied and to maintain the building itself. In order to meet these costs, the theatre had to sell tickets to its performances. The price of these tickets varied depending on the quality of the seat and the popularity of the play.

Playhouse Shares

Playhouse shares were a popular investment in the early modern period. They offered the opportunity for a high return on investment, and they were relatively liquid, as they could be easily bought and sold. However, the value of these shares was also volatile, and they could lose value quickly if the theatre fell into financial difficulties. Some of the most famous playhouse shares were those of the Globe Theatre, which was owned by William Shakespeare and his fellow actors.

The Actors

The actors were the key to the success of the theatre. They were responsible for bringing the plays to life and entertaining the audience. The actors were paid a salary by the theatre, but they also received a share of the profits. This meant that they had a vested interest in the success of the theatre.

The actors in the early modern period were a diverse group of people. They came from all walks of life, and they included men, women, and children. The most successful actors were those who had the talent and charisma to capture the attention of the audience. These actors were often able to command high salaries and to earn a comfortable living from their work.

The Audience

The audience was the other essential component of the theatre. The theatre could not exist without an audience, and the audience could not exist without the theatre. The relationship between the audience and the theatre was a complex one, and it changed over time.

In the early modern period, the audience was made up of people from all walks of life. The theatre was a place where people could go to escape from their everyday lives and to experience something new. The audience was often rowdy and unruly, but it was also passionate and engaged. The audience was the lifeblood of the theatre, and it was their support that made the theatre possible.

The theatre was a major part of English society in the early modern period. It was a place where people could go to be entertained, to learn about the world, and to socialize. But the theatre was also a business, and it was subject to the same economic forces as any other industry. This book has explored the complexities of theatre finance in early modern England and has discussed the various ways in which the theatre was connected to the wider society.

The theatre is still a vital part of English society today. It remains a place where people can go to be entertained, to learn about the world, and to socialize. However, the theatre is now a much more regulated industry than it was in the early modern period. The government now provides funding for the theatre, and theatres are subject to a number of regulations designed to protect the public.

Despite these changes, the theatre remains a powerful force in English society. It continues to entertain, educate, and inspire audiences of all ages. The theatre is a testament to the human spirit and its ability to create something beautiful and lasting.

Theatre, Finance and Society in Early Modern England (Cambridge Studies in Renaissance Literature and Culture Book 31)

by Theodore B. Leinwand

5 out of 5