Origins and Evolution of Shakespearean Actors: From 'Players' to 'Actors'

Shakespearean playwright William Shakespeare, through his works, refers to actors as 'players,' a term that brings us back to the rich tapestry of theatrical history. This archival term, while archaic and now considered somewhat retro by today's standards, carries significant cultural and historical weight. In Shakespeare's time, performers were part of 'A company of players.'

Shakespeare's Literary Use of the Term 'Player'

What sets Shakespeare apart is his unique and extensive references to acting within his works. Unlike other great literary figures, he consistently uses the term 'player' not just once, but several times. This term is prominently featured in two of his most celebrated speeches:

All the world's a stage and all the men and women merely players.' (As You Like It, Act II, Scene VII) Each man in his time plays many parts.' (All's Well That Ends Well, Act IV, Scene V)

Additionally, the term is also used in Macbeth's celebrated speech in Act V:

Life is but a walking shadow, a poor player who struts and frets his hour upon the stage, and then is heard no more…' (Macbeth, Act V, Scene V)

Historical Context: The Lord Chamberlain's Men and Then the King's Men

According to the First Folio, members of Shakespeare’s company were referred to as 'the principal Actors in all these plays.' There is a reasonable assumption that they were called 'actors' while the term 'player' was used within the plays themselves, notably in the aforementioned quotes.

The original name of the company that Shakespeare wrote for was 'The Lord Chamberlain's Men.' This troupe operated during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. Upon the ascension of King James I in 1603, the company rebranded themselves as 'the King's Men,' marking a significant shift in their patronage and recognition.

Why 'Players' Over 'Actors'?

It is important to note that the term 'player' was more prevalent for several reasons. Firstly, during Shakespeare's era, all performers were male, as female actors were not common. The roles that were typically female were played by teenage boys, as they were the most vocally malleable. This practice of having young male actors doubling as female characters is well-documented. This puts a layer of complexity around the term 'player,' as it applies equally to those who contemplate the scene and those who perform it.

Furthermore, the term 'actor' is more appropriate in contemporary usage. It generally refers to a broad range of performance arts, including stage, film, and television. Today, actors extensively engage with media beyond the stage, and this broader application underscores the shift in the term 'actor.' Most actors today would prefer this term as it encapsulates a wider array of performance opportunities, including those in film and television which offer greater financial rewards.