Globe Theatre Tiring HouseInteresting information about the Globe Theatre Tiring House during the life and times of William Shakespeare and the Globe Theatre of Elizabethan London, England Globe Theatre Tiring House The stage wall structure contained at least three doors which lead to a leading to small structure, back stage, called the ' Tiring House '. The stage wall was covered by curtains allowing entrances from left, right and center. The actors used this area to change their attire - hence the name 'Tiring House'. The tiring house contained the dressing rooms with access to the the prop room with connecting passage and stairways. The 'Tiring House' was a hive of activity with actors changing their attire and collecting their props. Although many of the plays were performed by actors wearing Elizabethan clothes the Globe Theatre Costumes belonged to the Theatre and were both costly and sumptuous. Globe Theatre Tiring House Prop Man The Globe Theatre company used a 'prop man' who would be stationed in the 'Tiring House'. The Prop man would have a list of all the Globe Theatre Props which to be used in a play, what scene they were required for and which actor/ character would need them. The list was glued to a board which hung on one of the Tiring House doors. Globe Theatre - The Lord's Rooms and the Actor's Balcony Immediately above the curtained doors of the 'Tiring House' were a row of galleries which housed the Lord's Rooms. The centre gallery, or balcony, might also be used for plays requiring such a structure - the Balcony scene from Romeo and Juliet immediately springs to mind. Globe Theatre - The Musicians Gallery Different effects were gradually added to the Globe Theatre including music to accompany the performances. One of the balconies above the stage therefore housed the musicians. Composers were specially commissioned to write music and songs to accompany the works of playwrights such as William Shakespeare. The most famous Globe Theatre composer was Robert Johnson ( 1582-1633 ). Robert Johnson composed 'Full fathom five' and 'Where the Bee Sucks' which were written for the first performance of The Tempest by William Shakespeare. The musicians playing in the Musician's Balcony were usually hidden from view behind closed curtains. Globe Theatre - The Hut Above these galleries was a small house-like structure called the 'hut' complete with a roof. The 'hut' was used as a covered storage space for the Globe acting troupe. The 'Hut' could be accessed directly from the connecting passage and stairways from the 'Tiring House'. Globe Theatre Tiring House Interesting Facts and information about the Globe Theatre Tiring House. Additional details, facts and information about the Globe Theatre can be accessed via the Globe Theatre Sitemap. |