Globe Theatre Props
Interesting information about
the Globe Theatre Props during the life and times of William Shakespeare and the Globe
Theatre of Elizabethan London, England
Globe Theatre Props
The Globe Theatre is not
usually associated with the use of props. However many Props
and Special Effects were used to enhance the dramatic and
visual effects of plays performed at the Globe Theatre. The
better the spectacle, the bigger the audiences and the
greater the profit - much like the modern theatre we enjoy
today. A static location, such as the Globe Theatre, allowed
for the storage of props. This was not a practical option
for the plays performed by travelling acting troupes at the
Inn yards. The building of the first Elizabethan Theatres
therefore saw the increase in the number of props used.
List of Globe Theatre Props
The Globe Theatre props
would have started with easily moveable objects such as:
As time went by larger
objects were used as Globe Theatre Props
-
Benches
-
Beds
-
Thrones
-
Cave
-
Barrels
-
Well
-
Tables
-
Canon
Large Globe Theatre props
would have been put into place at
the beginning of the play and although it might become unnecessary as
the performance went on it would remain on the stage regardless.
"properties
either difficult to move, like a well, or so small as to be unobtrusive,
were habitually left on the stage . . . whatever scenes intervened"
Very large objects that became an obstacle to the actors
were probably removed quickly at the earliest opportunity.
Globe Theatre Props - the Canon
Canons were introduced as
Globe Theatre props.
The cannons were
situated inside the roof, in the attic above the "Heavens". The cannons
were used to create a dramatic special effect such as heralding great
entrances especially in the plays which were about an event in history.
The cannon was loaded with gunpowder and wadding and this particular
Globe Theatre prop led to the fire of 1613 which led to the total
destruction of the Globe Theatre within two hours.
Globe Theatre Props - dramatic
entrances
The Globe Theatre stage
had at least three trap doors. The height of the stage was five feet -
so the area beneath the stage was easily big enough to hold actors and
props. This area underneath the stage was given the title "Hell".
Some props could therefore be 'entranced' or 'exited' via the trap
doors. The Globe Theatre Heavens was the name given for the false
ceiling over the stage. The false ceiling was also designed with trap
doors. Through the Heavens trap doors actors, attached by a harness with
wires or ropes, could make flying entrances on to the stage and props
could be lowered on to the stage.
Globe Theatre Props controlled
by the Prop
Man
The Globe Theatre company
used a 'prop man' who would be stationed in the 'Tiring House' whose
function was to ensure that all props were kept in order. The Prop
man would have a list of all the Globe
Theatre Props which were to be used in a play, what scene they were
required for and which actor/ character would need them. The prop list was
glued to a board which hung on one of the Tiring House doors.
Globe Theatre Props - the
Special Effects
The imaginative use of the
Globe Theatre props led to some exciting and dramatic performances at
the Globe Theatre. The cannon, flying entrances, blood, fireworks, music
and even live animals were all added - these props and special effects
are described in the following section:
Globe Theatre Special
Effects
Globe Theatre Props
Interesting Facts and information
about the Globe Theatre Props.
Additional details, facts and information about the
Globe Theatre can be accessed via the Globe Theatre Sitemap.
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