Final answer:
The student's task is to differentiate between the Elizabethan theatre, exemplified by the Globe Theatre with its open courtyard and thrust stage, and modern theatre, which incorporates realism, proscenium stages, and detailed production elements.
Step-by-step explanation:
Elizabethan Theatre vs. Modern Theatre
The student's question involves comparing characteristics of Elizabethan theatre and modern theatre. Elizabethan theatres were polyhedric buildings, mostly made of wood, with a wide circular and uncovered courtyard known as the orchestra. The stage extended into the courtyard and was covered with a wooden roof. One or two levels of balconies provided seats for those who could afford them. In contrast, modern theatre has embraced realism since the 19th century, with elaborate scenery and designs, use of the proscenium stage, and a more complex approach that often requires an external perspective for a complete theatrical experience.
Historically, the Globe Theatre is a renowned example of an Elizabethan theatre. The Renaissance period brought forth the creativity in staging and performance styles, with a significant move towards spoken plays and commercialization of theatres. On the other hand, after the Restoration period initiated by Charles II, English theatre adopted Italianate staging and the proscenium stage, paving the way for today's modern theatre designs and conventions, which include detailed technical elements and the role of directors.
In the United States, reconstructions of Elizabethan theatres, such as the Rose Theatre in Michigan and the American Shakespeare Center in Virginia, offer modern audiences a glimpse into the historical structure and ambiance of the original Elizabethan playhouses.