This was the Lord Chamberlain's Men. A company started up from the Queen's Men, in 1594. The Lord Chamberlain at the time was, Lord Hunsdon, a patron of the arts, who offered Shakespeare a 'sharer's' role in the new company, one eighth to be exact. This enabled the holder to take one eighth of any profit accrued by the company. It also meant that the holder was obliged to pay one eighth of any cost incurred in any future production. It was an opportunity too good to miss. Shakespeare, Burbage, Hemmings and one or two others, took the offer.
Shakespeare was not a very good actor. This became apparent early on in his career, which is why, (under the encouragement of Marlowe perhaps), he began to write. Nothing important to begin with, but slowly deriving confidence from his time in the company, finally offering 'HenryV1', to Henslowe's company at the 'Rose' on Bankside in 1589-90.
After 'Henry' took off!, he was prevailed upon to write more, and did so, eventually being offered the sharer's role in the new company.
He would write 'Grand' parts for himself! (Realising the power a very prominent character commands), Escalus, Prince of Verona, in, 'Romeo and Juliet', Leonato, Governor of Messina, in, 'Much Ado About Nothing'. He also wrote the part of Julius Caesar for himself, knowing the character is murdered well before the first half is over!
'Grand' parts open the play, and end it, meanwhile, he would be off stage, directing!
Shakespeare was not a very good actor. This became apparent early on in his career, which is why, (under the encouragement of Marlowe perhaps), he began to write. Nothing important to begin with, but slowly deriving confidence from his time in the company, finally offering 'HenryV1', to Henslowe's company at the 'Rose' on Bankside in 1589-90.
After 'Henry' took off!, he was prevailed upon to write more, and did so, eventually being offered the sharer's role in the new company.
He would write 'Grand' parts for himself! (Realising the power a very prominent character commands), Escalus, Prince of Verona, in, 'Romeo and Juliet', Leonato, Governor of Messina, in, 'Much Ado About Nothing'. He also wrote the part of Julius Caesar for himself, knowing the character is murdered well before the first half is over!
'Grand' parts open the play, and end it, meanwhile, he would be off stage, directing!