Physical Stage & Costume

Theatre Stage:

The Globe -

Built in 1599 in London on the south bank of the river Thames by the company that Shakespeare was in.

This theatre included a neutral platformed stage with a roof held up by pillars. There was a covered terrace for seating and an opening in the middle. This allowed for light, but still covered the stage and most of the seating in case of rain. The roof over the stage also could conceal any flown objects/actors. There was also a trapdoor featured in this stage.

There was a two-story facade at the back of the stage. On the second floor, there was a terrace that was able to be used during performance. On the first floor, there is thought to have been three useable entrance/exit doors.

Scenery & Props

Large set pieces were not commonly used during this time. Some furniture was brought on stage for scenes that required them, such as chairs or a table that were accurate to the space the characters were meant to be in. The stage was kept neutral so determining place relied on acting, props and costumes.

Hand props not only made the actions more realistic in the play, but were also able to give the audience more information regarding setting, such as showing that it is night time by having a character carry a torch.

Costumes

Costumes are very important in this play that surrounds identity and disguise. 

Costumes were based on modern clothes of the time and accurately reflected the class and profession of the character. For example, Orsino, the duke, would have been dressed in rich colors and fabrics. Orsino's attendants, Valentine and Curio, would also been dressed well, but not as extravagant. 

Viola's character has probably the most crucial costume, since he is a male actor, playing a woman, that is disguising herself as a man. This must be made clearly in the beginning that this character is female through her feminine clothing.