Final answer:
London citizens in Elizabethan times learned about theater performances through various means such as public announcements, posters, and word of mouth, with information possibly posted near theaters or circulated via approved playbills.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Elizabethan London, citizens knew about theatrical performances through a variety of methods. The need for publicity was crucial, especially given that theatres had to navigate numerous restrictions, such as the requirement of noble patronage and licensing from the Master of the Revels. To spread the word about performances, information would likely be disseminated through announcements at public gatherings, posters, and word of mouth. Schedules could be posted near the theatres themselves, which were located outside the city limits to circumvent laws against theatrical activities within the city. Because theatres were often situated near or attached to pubs, patrons of these establishments would also become an audience for the plays.
The vibrant atmosphere of Elizabethan theatre, with audiences moving in and out for food and drink and the frequent repetition within plays to ensure all could follow the story, would have been understood by London citizens as part of the theatre-going experience. Additionally, since all plays required approval before performance, the circulation of approved playbills or listings could serve as another means for the public to know what was being shown.
The nature of Elizabethan theatre patronage, public interest, and the methods of staying informed on performances contribute to a rich understanding of how London citizens knew which theatres would be giving performances in a time before modern communication technologies made such information readily available.