2007-09-05 08:54:15 · 8 answers · asked by Middle Mass 4 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Theater & Acting
Where do you get the idea that advertising wasn't permitted? There were announcements on posters or even jjust written on walls, there were sometimes announcements on flyers that were handed out. And, of course, there was word of mouth, which always works best.
2007-09-05 08:58:08 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Good question.
Advertising did not exist--not through perverted technology
at that time.
The people who owned the theater hung a flag out on top of the theater's flagpole., the color telling the audience what the play would be.
They could print a broadside and have it handed out.
They could hire boys to 'cry" the news of the play.
They were permitted to post signs in non-public places, outside the jurisdiction of the pseudo-religious City of London's rulers.
Those who rowed people across the Thames, boatmen could spread the word also.
And those players, etc. could tell interested lords, the rich and the townsfolk that there would be a performance as soon as they knew what it would be; also after a performance, such news could also be repeated for the next performance, and so on.
2007-09-06 19:05:12 · answer #2 · answered by Robert David M 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They probably did not waste money on flyers and posters, printing was expensive. What the actually did do is fly a banner from a flag pole on top of the highest point of the theatre building. It could be seen from a great distance and meant there was a play that day.
2007-09-05 16:02:50 · answer #3 · answered by Theatre Doc 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Plays were performed every day, so you always knew there was a performance and you knew what type of play it was (comedy, tragedy, etc) by the color flag that was flown at the top of the theatre.
Interesting fact: During Shakespeare's time 1 in every 4 citizens would be at a play on any given day. That means 25% of the population was at a play any day!
2007-09-05 20:24:35 · answer #4 · answered by sleepywife 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Word of mouth- people talking about it. Plus Shakespeare was practically a celebrity so most people wanted to know what he was up to. Besides there were probably advertisements in some form anyway.
2007-09-05 16:18:10 · answer #5 · answered by regina 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It was not until the Regency that plays, and advertising of such, were banned.
Elizabethan Theatre had tons of ways to "drum up" business, including having drummers march through the streets
2007-09-07 00:49:16 · answer #6 · answered by d_cider1 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
word-of-mouth was legal advertising I believe.
2007-09-05 16:21:51 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
they would print flyers and pass them out, or by word of mouth
2007-09-05 15:58:52 · answer #8 · answered by laura seeks the Kwisatz Haderach 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋