In the mid 1500's, before The Globe or any other theatre was built, different companies of actors performed where they could. They would use places such as inns, the houses of noblemen, and just anywhere on the street to perform their acts of comedy and drama. Often, they would sleep in an empty lot, or in their cart, which they used to carry their gear and props for the shows. The actors were not always welcome. They were looked upon as vagabonds (masterless men), who had no proper trade; therefore they were likely to be thieves and beggars.

James Burbage was a famous actor in one of the companies named The Earl of Leicester's Men. He was a former carpenter. It occurred to James Burbage, that a permanent building should be constructed for putting on plays. This might be as equally financially rewarding as the wooden buildings used...