It is clear that the new purpose-built structures were a main reason for the success of the theatres, but the patronage and increase in wealth throughout London at the The main reason for the era's rivalry was the growing popularity of theaters. The first purpose-built theatre, named 'The Theatre', was built in 1576 by James Burbage. These new designs for places to perform and watch plays revolutionized theater and, as a result, greatly increased both the popularity and therefore the income of the theater. The new design of these structures included many different and clever aspects that demonstrated the technological advancement that London was going through at the time, and was also a major reason why these structures were so successful. The new structures included separate areas for different social classes, from the foot of the stage known as the "pit" to the more expensive and more comfortable padded seats in the seated area above the pit. This new design allowed all classes - or levels of the great chain of being - to see the room while allowing the richest and most "civilized" to be kept away from the smell and smell. agitation of the people of the ground. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay This was a huge improvement over the pop-up cinemas used previously, which would not be as welcoming to the wealthier in society. Alongside these brand new designs, the technological advances of the Elizabethan era were demonstrated through the spectacular new features introduced by theaters. Above the main stage area, the balcony or "heavens" as it was called, directed all the special effects for the new and unpublished pieces. This, combined with the impressive trapdoor in the middle of the stage which allowed props and people to pass through during the play, was very exciting compared to pop-up theaters where the audience was also used. These aspects of the brand new purpose-built structures show that much of the theaters' growing success was due to them. However, although these huge, brand-new structures were responsible for much of the theater's growing success, theater companies were only able to exploit and perform their plays before audiences because of the patronage system . Wealthy upper-class men and women became patrons of theater companies, which was of great importance to theater companies as it protected them from the 1572 Act of Parliament which threatened to punish "common players and the minstrels not belonging to any baron of this kingdom for they will be judged as rascals, vagabonds and sturdy beggars.” Being a patron also had its advantages, theater spectators would have a favorable opinion of the patron and would also receive economic bonuses since the theater was self-financing. The Queen herself became a patron of “The Queen's Men” theater company and allowed many companies to come and perform before her at her court. Through this system of patronage, it enabled theater companies to continue to perform and develop, showing its importance to the growing success of the theater. Not only that, but the fact that the Queen seemed to endorse the theater by becoming a patron herself convinced many Protestant leaders in the Church and local government that performing in the theater was an acceptable recreation, which further..