DICTATION 3

William Shakespeare is best known for his plays, but he and his period are also studied by scholars who are interested in theatre architecture. The design of theatres has changed a lot since the Greeks first acted in open air theatres. Every period in history has had its different style of theatres.

Shakespeare’s name has always been connected with the Globe Theatre which was in London on the south bank of the River Thames. The Globe, a circular theatre, had no roof and the stage was a rather elaborate structure in the middle of the theatre. Shakespeare acted in this theatre and also helped to manage it.

In fact, the Globe, was not very different from many modern theatres. Today, many of the huge theatres of the nineteenth century have disappeared. Modern theatres are more intimate and certainly much smaller. The audience is nearer the stage and in closer contact with the actors. Unlike the Globe, most modern theatres, however, have a roof!