Shakespeare was one of many playwrights writing for the popular theatre at this time. James Brubage built The Theatre in 1576 in Shoreditch as a home for his company, The Lord Chamberlain's Men. It was the first permanent theatre. Once built, other playhouses like The Rose, The Curtain and The Swan were built. Many of them were built across the Thames from the city of London in the red light district. This area was outside the law of the city, so to speak.
Shakespeare was a shareholder with The Lord Chamberlain's Men. He was also the chief playwright as well as an actor with them. Due to a dispute with the farmer who owned the field where The Theatre stood, the company moved it across the Thames and rebuilt it. The rebuilt theatre was called The Globe. Shakespeare remained the chief playwright until he retired and sold his share to John Fletcher. Richard Burbage, James son, was the chief actor and many of Shakespeare's greatest roles were written for him.
When Elizabeth died and James I became king, the company got royal patronage and was renamed the King's Men.
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