Final answer:
Acting companies had to show their plays to The Master of Revels before a public viewing, as this official was in charge of licensing and approving plays for performance in London.
Step-by-step explanation:
Before a public viewing, acting companies had to show their plays to The Master of Revels. This official was responsible for licensing and approving each play that was to be performed in London. The Master of Revels maintained a daily account of approved plays, ensuring that the content was appropriate for public performance.
The position of the Master of Revels became particularly important during the Elizabethan era, as theaters and acting companies were growing in number. Notable acting troupes like The Chamberlain's Men, which included William Shakespeare, and The Lord Admiral's Men, required the approval from the Master of Revels to perform their works. Failure to obtain such approval could result in actors being treated as vagrants or the performances being shut down.
Having a patron, such as a member of the nobility or even the monarchy, was crucial for an acting company's longevity and legitimacy. The patronage could offer some protection and respect for the actors, but it did not exempt them from the necessity of having their plays approved by the Master of Revels. This process of approval was a form of early censorship, intended to maintain social stability and moral standards through the content displayed on stage.