Use the ReadWriteThink Notetaker and the resources listed below to research Shakespearean theater, modern professional (Broadway) theater, and modern movie theaters. Then use a graphic organizer to compare and contrast Shakespearean theater with either Broadway theater or modern movie theaters.
For each type of theater, research and compare some the following topics:
Issues Affecting the People Who Attended
Transportation: Modes of transportation and travel conditions, such as roads
Health Issues: Medical and dental issues, outbreaks of illnesses, sanitation, etc.
Public and Government Attitude Toward the Event: How is this form of entertainment perceived, who supports it/may be against it?
Other Entertainment Options: What else could a theater-goer be doing instead of attending a play or movie?
Information about the Audience and Theater-going Experience
Audience: Who typically attends, what are they like socially and financially; how are they expected to behave?
Theater Design: How is the theater built, and how does this affect who attends and what they experience?
Cost: Include ticket and extras, such as refreshments
Other Issues: When, where, and why would the audience go to an event at this venue?
Describes the various types and income levels of audiences who attended Shakespeare’s plays; you can click on the type of audience to see about how much they would have paid
The online home of the trade association of the Broadway industry, this site contains information on the costs associated with theater, audience demographics, and technical information on performance spaces in New York City
