1603+King's+Men

changethistext .m4a" autoplay="false" controller="true" type="video/quicktime" loop="false" height="240" width="320"> media type="custom" key="2712963"  The King's Men The King's Men were an acting group known throughout Europe. Actually the King's Men were once known as Lord Chamberlain's Men, but due to a change in ruling the name was changed. During the reign of Queen Elizabeth the King's Men were known as the Lord chamberlain's Men and during the rule of King James I it was changed to the King's Men. The King's Men were made up of all male actors: William Shakespeare, Lawrence Fletcher, Richard Burbage, Augutstine Phillips, John Heminges, Henry Condell, William Sly, Robert armin, and Richard Cowley. The acting group performed in the Globe Theatre in the earlier years and later performed many performances in the Blackfriars. Blackfriars costs were almost double the costs of the Globe Theatre.

The men in this acting group had their fair share of hardships, if it wasn't the Globe theatre burning down in 1613, then the theatres had to be closed multiple times due to the plague (July- December 1608 & 1609). When the theatres were closed due to the plague of course the actors couldn't perform therefore they couldn't get paid. Though, the King's Men recieved a hefty fine after disobeying the orders not to perform in theatres but proceeded on anyway and put on shows.

Unfortunately Shakespeare was no longer alive to witness the re-birth of the Globe Theatre, he died April 23, 1616. His role was then filled by Lawrence Fletcher. Actually by the time that the theatre was re-opened most of the original actors in the King's Men had either retired or died. Most of them never actually got to see the new theatre.

Shakespeare was well known for his acting but also for writing many of the plays that the King's Men performed. Shakespeare wrote a variety of comedies and tragedies, he switched his form of writing because he wanted to give his characters actions and dialogue more depth.

Shakespeare went down in history because of his work with literatue and the theatre. Just think it all started when he became part of the King's Men!



STUDY GUIDE QUESTIONS

What was the King's Men?

What role did Shakespeare play in the King's Men?

What were the King's Men once known as?

How much were the actors paid for a court performance?

Why were theaters closed July through September 1608?

Who filled Shakespeare's role once he died?

What was the main reasoning that the troupes changed their names? (for example why the Lord Chamberlain's Men switched to being called the King's Men)

When did the Theatre (Globe Theatre) close?

What year was the theatre restored?

Why did Shakespeare change his form of writing?

Websites we used: [|www.william-shakespeare.org.uk/shakespeare-chamberlains-men.htm]

[|http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King's_Men_(playing_company])