Shakespeare Gender Roles

“Soaring, flying, there’s not a star in heaven that we can’t reach.” Disney’s High School Musical is one of the most popular plays for children. Most kids know the show and the characters, but would it be the same without Shakespeare’s influence? Shakespeare's theatre changed the costumes, set, and makeup of theatre into what is recognized today.
During the Renaissance, acting was a career for men only. Men played all acting roles. . . including the female ones. Women were not allowed to act. It was not considered an appropriate profession for a lady (“Globe Theatre Female Roles”). Women had very clear roles in society at the time. They were to do their jobs quietly and respectfully, something one cannot do from stage (Sharnette). Plus, women
The boys, ages 13-19, who wanted to have an acting career began with female roles, as they were considered small and easy roles to play (“Globe Theatre Female Roles”). Young boys who have not hit puberty have higher voices, making their sound closer to that of a woman (Sharnette). Their faces and bodies however, were made different by makeup and costumes. Characters were recognised as women by the extravagance of their appearance. Their clothes were layered and their makeup detailed. Actors wore periwigs to further the feminine look. Together, Renaissance makeup, costumes, and set were what set the stage of a show (“Shakespeare's Theatre”). Makeup was used mostly on boys playing women. White makeup made them look older and more feminine as needed (“Globe Theatre Female Roles”). It was however, made with lead. Many young men and boys died from lead poisoning while training for their career. Makeup was used to decorate the skin. They added to each character, but were mostly used for women (“Globe Theatre Female
They were used to “add to the spectacle (“Shakespeare’s Theatre”).” Costumes were used to identify characters. Colors and fabrics already showed status outside the theatre, so they were an easy way to differentiate between characters (“Globe Theatre Female Roles”). Colors played a big part in this identification. Each color had its own meaning. Purple, for example, represented royalty (Alchin). Fabrics also were used to symbolize status. Cheaper fabrics like cotton and taffeta represented the lower class. Velvet, fur, and lace were used for upper class characters (“Globe Theatre Actors”). Costumes were often bought or donated second hand from noblemen and women. The sets were very simple. The stage was mostly bare. Only necessary pieces, such as a bed or door were added. Instead of a complex set, actors used small props to set the scene. Shakespeare's Theatre changed the way most of these were used. Shakespeare’s Theatre revolutionized acting and helped morph it into what is known today. During the Renaissance, women were not allowed to choose an acting career. It was against the law for them to act in a play (“Globe Theatre Female Roles”). Men who acted used simple makeup, and their costumes were casually bedazzled. The stage they performed on was lightly decorated and