THEA 246 - Scene Design: William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare (attributed to John Taylor)

Little is known for sure about William Shakespeare. Born in Stratford-upon-Avon in the mid-1500s to a family of some means, he became an important part of a growing professional theatre scene in England and would eventually become a shareholder in the Globe Theatre, where his plays were performed. Most of his plays survive to this day and are widely celebrated, studied, and produced. Because of the variety of plays and acting styles of the 16th and 17th century, we do not know for sure how these plays were originally set or delivered, but they have been adapted in a variety of styles in many different places over the last several centuries, adding to their enduring appeal. 

(Adapted from The Cambridge Guide to Literature in English)