It was also at this time that the previously dubious profession of acting, or "playing" moved slowly from the ouskirts of societal acceptance to having a central cultural role in England. The actor attained a respect and place in society which he did not previously possess. This was marked by a shift in popular taste, critical attention, and financial compensation from the comedic rustic clowns to more dramatic tragedians. This is significant because it was at this time that England produced its most highly acclaimed dramatic works, the most basic foundations of skillful acting are established, and acting gain

As actors move to the center of English social structure, so do theatres move from the outskirts of London to more centralized locations. The Globe was built on the Thames, nearer to the heart of London than previous theatres, and later, Shakespeare moved his company to Blackfriars, a former monastery that sat fewer people than the outdoor theatres and was generally more elitist in character.

One of the strongest contemporary arguments against the Puritanical viewpoints comes from An Apology for Actors by Thomas Heywood, a prolific writer and actor. He appeals to the growing interest in classical ideals by outlining acting as a way of teaching effective rhetorical skills. Along with classical drama, art, architecture, and other concepts, rhetoric became a respected aspect of a newly emerging educational system. This interest in the classics is what originally brought dramatic acting to English consciousness initially. Scholarly institutions, in keeping with this interest in the classics, would study classical dramas and would perform them in Latin and later in English. These performances would occur in school yards and courtyards. Previously, any acting was associated with mystery plays, which served as a way to teach the masses their Bible stories, and in court processionals, designed to celebrate the current monarch's life and accomplishments. These scholarly attempts at acting eventually interested people outside academic circles and bands of professional actors began to emerge. These vagabond troupes were not especially successful or respected. Nor were they especially legal; actors needed the patronage of some wealthy benefactor to exist as professional actors. They performed in temporary structures located in the liberties of London where other marginalized members of society were concentrated. These areas were associated with prostitution, gambling, illness and acting. It was not until 1575 that James Burbage built the first permanent theatre there.

Along with a shift from rustic and highly affected styles to the moderate acting professed in Hamlet, there was a shift of focus from the comic actor to the tragedian economically. Richard Burbage's financial accomplishments as an actor exceeded the compensations of people like Tarlton and the rustic clowns, and those of Burbage were outshined by those of Edward Alleyn's. Although acting still had enemies in England, Alleyn was able to endow schools

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)