Acting companies

Definition

Acting companies are professional groups of actors who collaborate to perform plays and theatrical productions. These companies emerged prominently during the Tudor period in England, where they began to receive royal patronage, which helped to elevate their status and support the development of professional theatre as a respected art form.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The formation of acting companies began around the late 15th century, with the first recognized professional companies appearing under Henry VII.
2. Acting companies often consisted of a core group of actors, but they could also include apprentices and hired performers who rotated roles in different productions.
3. The Lord Chamberlain's Men and the Admiral's Men were two of the most notable acting companies during the Elizabethan era, with famous playwrights like William Shakespeare writing specifically for them.
4. Acting companies gained legitimacy through royal patronage, with many receiving licenses that allowed them to perform publicly, thus distinguishing them from amateur or traveling troupes.
5. The shift from private performances at court to public performances in playhouses marked a significant transformation in the popularity and accessibility of theatre, driven largely by acting companies.

Review Questions

• How did acting companies influence the development of professional theatre during the Tudor period?
  • Acting companies played a pivotal role in establishing professional theatre by introducing structured performances and creating a sense of legitimacy in the art form. Their collaboration with playwrights led to the production of quality plays that attracted audiences beyond royal courts. The recognition and support they received through royal patronage allowed these companies to flourish and ultimately led to the proliferation of public playhouses, making theatre more accessible to a broader audience.
• What role did royal patronage play in the success and evolution of acting companies in Tudor England?
  • Royal patronage was crucial for the success of acting companies as it provided them with legitimacy and financial support. Companies that received royal licenses were granted exclusive rights to perform, which set them apart from amateur groups. This sponsorship not only secured funding for productions but also elevated the status of theatre as a respected form of entertainment, fostering an environment where professional acting could thrive and evolve.
• Evaluate how the emergence of acting companies transformed public perceptions of theatre in Tudor England.
  • The emergence of acting companies significantly transformed public perceptions of theatre by shifting it from an elite pastime reserved for royalty to an accessible form of entertainment for the general populace. This change was driven by the establishment of playhouses where diverse audiences could experience performances regularly. The professionalization of actors within these companies contributed to a newfound appreciation for theatre as an art form, encouraging both social mobility among performers and increased cultural engagement among audiences.

Related terms

Royal Patronage: Support and sponsorship provided by the monarchy to various artists and performers, which was crucial in legitimizing and funding acting companies.

Playhouse: A venue specifically designed for theatrical performances, where acting companies would perform their works to live audiences, significantly contributing to the rise of public theatre.

Repertory System: A theatrical practice where acting companies would perform a rotating selection of plays, allowing for a diverse range of performances and showcasing different talents within the company.