What were the original performance conditions of SHakespeare's globe stage.

The Globe stage was a thrust stage with an entrance and exit stage left and stage right. There was a tiring room upstage centre covered with a curtain behind which actor could change, get props and have access to other entrances and exits. Unlike contemporary stages, the set and staging was not elaborate, but it did have a few tricks. There was a trapdoor called the 'Hell' under the stage, popularly used in Hamlet at the grave digging. There was also two large columns either side that were often used in eavesdropping scenes popular in Shakespeare plays. There was also an upper stage or the 'heavens' which had the balcony in the centre - popularly used in Romeo & Juliet and also for the live musicians. The upper stage was at times used to seat more elite guests who wanted to be on show, perhaps because of a new gown.