Keyword: Groundling

Groundling

In Shakespeare's time, a groundling was a person who paid a penny to stand and watch a play. Groundlings stood in an area called the yard where it was crowded, dirty, and the area was uncovered. If it rained; they got wet!

The wealthier theatre-goers would sit in the covered seats which cost an additional penny; if you want a cushioned seat it was another penny.

This might not seem very expensive, but during Shakespeare's time a penny may have been a person's pay for an entire day of work!

If you visit the Shakespeare's Globe theatre in London you can still stand. In fact, many people opt to stand becuase it is a unique opportunity to be so close to the stage and the performers. Today, it costs about $8 to see a performance at Shakespeare's Globe as a groundling.

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