Final answer:
The most appropriate heading for the given passage is 'The Rise of the Theater,' which covers the broader context of theater's growth including the works of Shakespeare and other playwrights.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most effective heading that would introduce the passage provided by the student is 2) The Rise of the Theater. This heading encapsulates the broader context of the growth and popularity of the theater during the English Renaissance, touching upon the significant figures and cultural developments of the time.
While William Shakespeare is a pivotal character in the passage, the content covers more than just his personal contributions, discussing the overall theatrical movement, other playwrights like Christopher Marlowe, and the changes in theater that occurred during the Elizabethan Age and afterwards, when new theatrical spaces began to appear.