The plays of William Shakespeare have showcased some of the most intriguing and insightful acting practices from the past to the present. Performances of his plays have influenced many actors and companies to respect the guidelines put in place many years ago. Shakespearean works are in a sense in a category of their own as they have evolved with the changing times, while remaining in similar forms. In Shakespeare's time the theater was very different from what it is today. There were much stricter rules and guidelines, as well as limitations placed on the actors. During Shakespeare's lifetime the theater had changed a lot, which continues to change today. Many of the actors of Shakespeare's time simply practiced the art of acting on the streets of the city (Rosmanitz). Both the Church and the police restricted these practices because they thought they would promote bad behavior and keep people out of the Church. Before some theaters were built, actors performed in the courtyards of inns or sometimes even in the homes of nobles (Britannica). Some influential people like Queen Elizabeth actually enjoyed going to the theater and watching actors perform, which helped promote these practices (Rosmanitz). The new popularity of the theater caused theaters to be built outside the city limits. The audiences that would have surrounded Shakespeare's actors in his day were atypical of the audiences we would expect in the present day. The audience often did not stay in their seats. Sometimes they hung out, ate, drank and had fun. The audience was really involved in the show and would become part of it in a way. They clapped and clapped, bo...... middle of paper ......ce as actors did in Shakespeare's time. The acting itself is seen as exaggerated and exaggerated, which actors from the past and present try to employ in the making of Shakespeare's works (Britannica). Shakespeare wanted his audience to be involved throughout the play. The uniqueness and passion of the plays have contributed to the continuum of their success. Works Cited American Shakespeare Center. Blue key. Web: http://www.americanshakespearecenter.com/v.php?pg=1Rosmanitz, Klaus. "Theatre in the Age of Shakespeare." Theater in the Age of Shakespeare. English online and Web. 12 October 2013. "The comedies". The Encyclopedia Britannica Guide to Shakespeare. Britannica, 2013. Web. 12 October. 2013. .