what was the single biggest expense in a Shakespearean production?

Answer 1

Everything was pretty cheap, even the actors pay. They used no sets, and used their own clothing for costumes. My guess would be make-up and the swords, since the swords were real.

Answer 2

The Globe Theatre, which burned to the ground during a production of Henry IV.

Answer 3

I would guess actor's salaries and then costumes