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BGSU_Dissertations_0192_Stevens.pdf (11.3 MB)

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A Study of Christopher Beeston and the Pheonix or Cockpit Theatre

Stevens, David
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1555931250436092

Abstract Details

1973, Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Bowling Green State University, Theatre.
The purpose of this study was to find out as much as possible about a Jacobean/Caroline private theatre, the Phoenix or Cockpit in Drury Lane. The five chapters treated the career of Christopher Beeston and the companies that played at the Phoenix; the bibliographical principles utilized in the study and their use in assigning the ninety-two extant plays of the repertory into reliability-of-evidence groups; the structural features of the Phoenix stage; the use of auditory and visual effects at the Phoenix; and the Phoenix audience. The study concluded that: 1) Christopher Beeston's business acumen, theatrical expertise, and knowledge of human nature were responsible for the success of his companies. 2) Structural features of the Phoenix stage included a bare platform with a trap in the center large enough for a man; three doorways, each of which could be hung with a solid door, with the two side doorways obliquely set; a continuous upper acting space, including two small areas usually called "bay windows" above each of the side doors and a gallery-like area above the center door; and an interior staircase located very near one of the side doors. Hangings were frequently used, often to conceal eavesdroppers. Discoveries could be effected by placing hangings in front of any of the doorways, although the center entry was probably most often used for this purpose. There is no evidence that requires an "inner stage" or a portable curtained booth. 3) Sound effects, music, large and small properties, costumes, and even make-up were used for realistic effect, to enhance or build a mood, or to make the action more credible. Music was used in nearly all of the plays. 4) The Phoenix audience was sophisticated and demanding. They required variety in their dramatic fare, and seem to have been particularly pleased by scenes colored by sex and spectacle.
Charles R. Boughton (Advisor)
Theater

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Stevens, D. (1973). A Study of Christopher Beeston and the Pheonix or Cockpit Theatre [Doctoral dissertation, Bowling Green State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1555931250436092

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Stevens, David. A Study of Christopher Beeston and the Pheonix or Cockpit Theatre. 1973. Bowling Green State University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1555931250436092.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Stevens, David. "A Study of Christopher Beeston and the Pheonix or Cockpit Theatre." Doctoral dissertation, Bowling Green State University, 1973. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1555931250436092

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

bgsu1555931250436092
417
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