Pit

Definition

In the context of Elizabethan playhouses, the pit refers to the area in front of the stage where audience members, known as 'groundlings,' stood to watch performances. This section was typically the cheapest place to experience a play, making it accessible to a wide range of social classes. The design of the pit played a crucial role in the overall audience experience and interaction with the performance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The pit was an open area without seats, which encouraged an energetic and interactive atmosphere as audiences could react vocally to performances.
2. Because groundlings stood in the pit, they had a different experience than seated patrons, often being more engaged and sometimes unruly during performances.
3. The price for admission to the pit was usually just one penny, making theatre accessible to many who otherwise could not afford entertainment.
4. The design of the pit influenced how plays were staged, as actors needed to be aware of their proximity to groundlings and adapt their performance styles accordingly.
5. Playwrights often wrote their works with groundlings in mind, incorporating humor and action to capture their attention and maintain their interest.

Review Questions

• How did the structure of the pit influence audience engagement during Elizabethan performances?
  • The structure of the pit, being an open area where groundlings stood, greatly influenced audience engagement by fostering a lively and interactive environment. Groundlings could express their reactions vocally and physically, creating a feedback loop between performers and spectators. This dynamic led actors to tailor their performances to connect with this engaged audience, making theatre a shared experience rather than a passive one.
• Discuss the significance of pricing for admission to the pit in relation to social class dynamics during the Elizabethan era.
  • The pricing for admission to the pit at one penny made theatre accessible to lower social classes, such as artisans and laborers, thereby promoting social diversity within audiences. This affordability allowed individuals from various backgrounds to participate in cultural experiences that were typically reserved for wealthier patrons. As a result, playhouses became melting pots of social interaction, influencing both content and style in plays as writers sought to appeal to a wide range of viewers.
• Evaluate the impact of groundling behavior on the artistic choices made by playwrights and actors in Elizabethan theatre.
  • Groundling behavior had a profound impact on artistic choices made by playwrights and actors, compelling them to craft works that appealed directly to a more rowdy and outspoken segment of their audience. Playwrights often incorporated humor, physical comedy, and engaging plots designed to captivate the attention of these standing spectators. Consequently, actors adapted their performance styles to accommodate this energetic crowd, creating a more dynamic form of theatre that prioritized audience interaction and responsiveness.

Related terms

groundlings:

Audience members who stood in the pit of an Elizabethan playhouse, usually paying a low admission fee and representing the lower classes of society.

thrust stage:

A type of stage that extends into the audience, allowing for closer interaction between actors and viewers, often associated with Elizabethan theatre design.

playhouse: A building specifically designed for theatrical performances during the Elizabethan era, featuring distinct architectural elements that catered to both the audience and performers.