Tudor England saw the rise of professional theatre, driven by social and economic changes. The growth of London, increased patronage, and a renewed interest in classical literature created a thriving theatrical scene.

Royal patronage, especially from Queen Elizabeth I, legitimized theatre companies and elevated actors' status. Key figures like Christopher Marlowe and William Shakespeare emerged, while events such as the construction of The Theatre marked significant milestones in English drama's development.

Rise of Professional Theatre in Tudor England

Social and Economic Factors

• The Tudor period in England (1485-1603) encompassed the reigns of Henry VII, Henry VIII, Edward VI, Mary I, and Elizabeth I
• Significant social, political, religious, and economic changes during this era impacted the development of professional theatre
• The rise of humanism during the Renaissance encouraged a renewed interest in classical literature
  • Led to an increased demand for dramatic performances and the adaptation of classical plays for English audiences
• The dissolution of the monasteries under Henry VIII led to the secularization of education
  • Emergence of grammar schools, which often included dramatic performances as part of their curriculum
• The growth of London as a commercial and cultural center during the Tudor period created a large potential audience for theatrical performances
  • Attracted aspiring playwrights and actors to the city (Christopher Marlowe, William Shakespeare)

Political Factors and Influences

• The increasing wealth of the merchant class and the gentry allowed for greater patronage of the arts, including theatre
  • Patronage was a means of displaying social status and cultural refinement
• The political stability and economic prosperity during Elizabeth I's reign (1558-1603) provided a conducive environment for the flourishing of professional theatre
  • The Queen herself was a patron of the arts and enjoyed theatrical performances
• The favor of the monarch and the nobility could shield theatre companies from the opposition of religious authorities and the City of London
  • Theatre was often viewed as a source of moral corruption and social disorder by these groups

Royal Patronage in Theatre Development

Queen Elizabeth I's Patronage

• Royal patronage played a crucial role in the development and legitimization of professional theatre companies during the Tudor period, particularly during the reign of Elizabeth I
• The Queen's Men, formed in 1583, was the first royal theatre company, directly patronized by Elizabeth I
  • Served as a model for subsequent professional troupes and helped elevate the status of actors and playwrights
• Patronized companies were often invited to perform at court, exposing them to a wider audience
  • Potentially led to further opportunities for financial support and commissions

Patronage by the Nobility

• Patronage by the nobility, such as the Lord Chamberlain's Men (later the King's Men under James I), provided theatre companies with financial support, legal protection, and social prestige
• Royal patronage allowed theatre companies to use the names of their aristocratic patrons
  • Examples include the Earl of Leicester's Men or the Lord Admiral's Men
  • Helped to legitimize their profession and protect them from anti-theatrical sentiment
• The favor of the nobility could shield theatre companies from the opposition of religious authorities and the City of London

Key Figures and Events in Early English Theatre

Influential Playwrights and Actors

• Christopher Marlowe, a playwright and contemporary of Shakespeare, introduced blank verse and a new level of dramatic intensity to English theatre
  • Notable works include "Tamburlaine the Great" (c. 1587) and "Doctor Faustus" (c. 1592)
• William Shakespeare, often regarded as the greatest English playwright, began his career in the late 1580s
  • Became a key figure in the Lord Chamberlain's Men (later the King's Men)
  • His works, spanning comedy, tragedy, and history, significantly contributed to the development of English professional theatre
• Richard Burbage, son of James Burbage and a leading actor in the Lord Chamberlain's Men
  • Known for his powerful performances in many of Shakespeare's plays
  • Helped to establish the role of the leading actor in English theatre
• Richard Tarleton, a celebrated comic actor and jester during the reign of Elizabeth I
  • Popularized the role of the clown and influenced the development of comic characters in English drama

Significant Events and Milestones

• James Burbage, an actor and theatre builder, constructed The Theatre in 1576
  • One of the first purpose-built playhouses in England
  • Marked a significant step in the establishment of permanent theatrical spaces and the professionalization of theatre
• The publication of "The Defence of Poesy" by Sir Philip Sidney in 1595
  • Provided a theoretical justification for the value of theatre
  • Helped to counter the arguments of anti-theatrical critics
• The construction of the Globe Theatre in 1599 by the Lord Chamberlain's Men, using timber from The Theatre
  • Established a permanent home for the company
  • Became an iconic symbol of the Elizabethan stage