William Shakespeare, regarded as one of the greatest writers in the English language, led a life that was intertwined with both art and commerce. While he is best known today for his plays and poetry, Shakespeare’s life was shaped by his work in the world of theater, acting, and his role as a shareholder in various theatrical ventures. His profession was not limited to just writing; it spanned a range of creative and business endeavors, making Shakespeare a highly successful and influential figure in Elizabethan society.
This article explores the diverse ways in which William Shakespeare made a living, examining his work as a playwright, actor, and businessman. Additionally, we will look at his role in the broader cultural and economic landscape of Elizabethan London, where the theater was booming, and his lasting impact on the world of entertainment and literature. By delving into these aspects of his career, we can gain a clearer understanding of how Shakespeare navigated his professional life and contributed to the world of theater.
Early Life and Beginnings
William Shakespeare was born in 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon, a small town in England. He was the son of John Shakespeare, a glove maker and local politician, and Mary Arden, from a prosperous farming family. While Shakespeare’s early life is not well-documented, it is likely that he attended a local grammar school, where he would have learned Latin, Greek, and classical literature. This education provided the foundation for his later literary works, giving him the necessary tools to become one of the greatest writers in history.
Shakespeare’s professional life began in earnest when he moved to London in the late 1580s or early 1590s. While the details of his early years in London remain speculative, it is clear that Shakespeare quickly became involved in the world of theater, where he would find both fame and financial success. At the time, the theater in London was undergoing a golden age, with the rise of public playhouses and the increasing popularity of plays as a form of entertainment.
Playwriting: The Core of Shakespeare’s Career
William Shakespeare’s primary source of income and fame came from his work as a playwright. He wrote at least 39 plays, including tragedies, comedies, and histories, during his lifetime. His plays were performed at various theaters in London, and many of them were written to cater to the tastes of the time, which favored public performances of engaging, dramatic stories.
Theatrical Patronage and the London Stage
Shakespeare’s entrance into the theater world coincided with the rise of public playhouses, which made theater accessible to a broader audience. Prior to the late 16th century, most theatrical performances were held in private courts or halls, where they were reserved for the elite. However, with the establishment of public theaters such as The Theatre (1576) and The Rose (1587), the London stage became a popular entertainment venue for people from all walks of life.
In this thriving theater scene, Shakespeare made a name for himself not only as a playwright but also as an actor. He was likely involved in the performances of his own plays, though the extent of his acting career is not fully known. Shakespeare’s plays were produced by several different theater companies, but he is most strongly associated with two key groups: the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, which later became the King’s Men, and the Globe Theatre, which was built in 1599 and became the company’s primary performance space.
As a playwright, Shakespeare’s works were highly successful, with many of his plays being performed repeatedly in public theaters. His comedies, such as A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Twelfth Night, appealed to the masses with their witty dialogue, romance, and humorous characters. His tragedies, such as Hamlet, Macbeth, and King Lear, offered powerful, often dark explorations of human nature, ambition, and fate. His history plays, including Richard III and Henry V, were reflective of England’s historical events, drawing on themes of power, kingship, and national identity.
Shakespeare’s ability to write across multiple genres contributed to his success as a playwright and enabled him to meet the demands of his audience. His plays were performed in public theaters, at court, and in private venues, and they were widely popular. Playwrights during this period often made money from performances, and Shakespeare’s success as a playwright ensured that he earned a living from his works.
Writing for the Globe and the King’s Men
Shakespeare’s association with the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, and later the King’s Men, was a pivotal aspect of his career. As a shareholder in the company, Shakespeare had a vested interest in the success of the group, and his plays were regularly performed by the company. This relationship with a stable acting troupe allowed Shakespeare to write with confidence, knowing that his works would be performed by some of the best actors in London.
The Globe Theatre, built in 1599, became the home for many of Shakespeare’s plays. The theater, located on the south bank of the River Thames, was an open-air structure that could accommodate up to 3,000 spectators. It was here that Shakespeare’s plays reached their widest audience. The Globe’s success was largely due to the company’s ability to provide high-quality performances, as well as Shakespeare’s unparalleled skill in crafting plays that resonated with audiences.
As a shareholder in the Globe Theatre, Shakespeare received a share of the profits from the performances of his plays. This business arrangement provided him with both creative freedom and financial security. Shakespeare’s success as a playwright and his ongoing involvement with the Globe Theatre made him one of the most financially successful writers of his time.
Acting: Shakespeare’s Role on Stage
In addition to his work as a playwright, Shakespeare also worked as an actor, though his role as an actor has been less prominent in discussions of his career. It is believed that Shakespeare performed in some of his own plays, taking on roles in productions by the Lord Chamberlain’s Men and later the King’s Men. However, there is little detailed evidence about the specific roles he played or how extensive his acting career was.
Acting in the Elizabethan and Jacobean periods was an important part of the theater world, and many playwrights of the time were also actors. Shakespeare’s involvement in acting allowed him to gain firsthand experience of how his plays were performed and received by audiences. It is likely that his experience as an actor helped him refine his writing, allowing him to create characters and dialogue that were suited to live performance.
While Shakespeare may not have been as well-known for his acting as for his writing, his role in the theater as a performer would have contributed to his livelihood. Shakespeare’s company, the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, was one of the leading acting troupes in London, and his association with them likely provided him with a steady income from performances in addition to his earnings from playwriting.
Business Ventures and Wealth
In addition to his work as a playwright and actor, William Shakespeare also made a living through various business ventures, particularly in the real estate market. By the time of his death in 1616, Shakespeare had become a wealthy man, owning properties in both Stratford-upon-Avon and London. His investments in property were a source of income and contributed to his financial success.
One of Shakespeare’s most significant business ventures was his purchase of New Place, a large house in Stratford-upon-Avon, in 1597. This property, which became Shakespeare’s residence in his later years, was one of the largest homes in the town and was worth a significant sum. Shakespeare also invested in other properties in Stratford, which likely provided him with rental income. His successful business dealings in real estate helped ensure his wealth and financial security.
In addition to his real estate investments, Shakespeare also received income from his role as a shareholder in the Globe Theatre. As mentioned earlier, Shakespeare’s financial stake in the company allowed him to profit from the performances of his plays. His ownership of shares in the Globe and his involvement with the King’s Men provided him with a steady income and contributed to his overall wealth.
The Lasting Impact of Shakespeare’s Work
Shakespeare’s career was not just a source of income—it was a transformative force in the world of English literature and theater. His plays and poetry continue to be performed, studied, and admired around the world, ensuring his lasting impact on the literary world.
In his lifetime, Shakespeare’s works were performed not only in London but also in various other parts of England and beyond. The success of his plays helped elevate the status of playwrights, who were once seen as lower-tier artists, and contributed to the establishment of the theater as a respected form of entertainment and art. Shakespeare’s success as both a playwright and businessman allowed him to leave a legacy that transcended his lifetime.
Conclusion
In conclusion, William Shakespeare made a living through a combination of creative and business endeavors. As a playwright, actor, and shareholder in the Globe Theatre, Shakespeare achieved both artistic and financial success. His work in the world of theater helped to shape the landscape of English literature, and his legacy continues to influence writers, actors, and audiences to this day.
