Who financed Shakespeare's theatre?

Answer 1

William Shakespeare made his money through the theater group that he wrote, produced and acted for. He did not have one person in particular backing him, but members of the community who appreciated his talents.

Answer 2

Shakespeare's earliest plays were written then sold to a playing company. Later, when Shakespeare himself became a partner in a playing company, his plays became the property of that company. Imagine him, if you like, being a screenplay writer for a Warner Brothers film. After he writes the screenplay, guess who owns it? Warner Bros., of course.

If you think that the company's patron, the Lord Chamberlain and afterward the King, actually gave them money, you'd be barking up the wrong tree. The patrons only gave the playing companies legitimacy, not financial support. If the company could not support itself, it would be forced to disband as many did after the closure of the theatres in 1592-3.

Answer 3

You bet he was. He was a partner in the playhouse, and when it made money he made money. When he wrote a popular play, they all made more money.

Shakespeare did not receive wages, but he was certainly paid for his work.

Answer 4

the patrons, such as King James 1

Answer 5

Queen Elizabeth