Podcast
Questions and Answers
For how long will the Company of Boys rehearse in their current location?
For how long will the Company of Boys rehearse in their current location?
6 weeks
What is the date of the opening of Chapter 1?
What is the date of the opening of Chapter 1?
Present day
What is one of the plays being rehearsed?
What is one of the plays being rehearsed?
Julius Caesar & A Midsummer Night's Dream
How does Arby say the boy actors must function?
How does Arby say the boy actors must function?
Who is Arby?
Who is Arby?
Where is the setting at the opening of Chapter 1?
Where is the setting at the opening of Chapter 1?
What does Nat think of some of the games the boys play?
What does Nat think of some of the games the boys play?
Why does Arby make the boys play the games?
Why does Arby make the boys play the games?
Who does Arby kick out of the company?
Who does Arby kick out of the company?
How many members are in the Company of Boys?
How many members are in the Company of Boys?
Of what does the Company of Boys comprise?
Of what does the Company of Boys comprise?
How are the boys selected to be a part of the Company of Boys?
How are the boys selected to be a part of the Company of Boys?
To where will the Company go after this location?
To where will the Company go after this location?
In what theater will the Company perform?
In what theater will the Company perform?
What does Arby point out to Nat?
What does Arby point out to Nat?
Who does Arby say has a southern accent?
Who does Arby say has a southern accent?
Who is Rachel?
Who is Rachel?
Why does Nat become uncomfortable with the group's conversation?
Why does Nat become uncomfortable with the group's conversation?
Where do some of the boys live when they are in London?
Where do some of the boys live when they are in London?
With whom does Nat live?
With whom does Nat live?
What puts Nat at ease where he is staying?
What puts Nat at ease where he is staying?
What character does Nat play in one of the plays?
What character does Nat play in one of the plays?
What part does Gil Warmun play?
What part does Gil Warmun play?
Whose voice sounds like Elizabethan English?
Whose voice sounds like Elizabethan English?
When is the Company of Boys allowed to practice in the theater?
When is the Company of Boys allowed to practice in the theater?
What does Arby forbid any of the boys to see?
What does Arby forbid any of the boys to see?
Who was Nat nervous about meeting?
Who was Nat nervous about meeting?
For what skills does Arby particularly admire about Nat?
For what skills does Arby particularly admire about Nat?
What happens when Nat and the other boys are running to practice?
What happens when Nat and the other boys are running to practice?
What does Nat hear as he is going to practice on his first day?
What does Nat hear as he is going to practice on his first day?
What is the first play the Company of Boys rehearses?
What is the first play the Company of Boys rehearses?
Who is quite animated when acting?
Who is quite animated when acting?
How does Gil Warmun carry himself onstage?
How does Gil Warmun carry himself onstage?
Why does Nat fall?
Why does Nat fall?
Why does Nat go to bed early?
Why does Nat go to bed early?
Of what does Nat dream?
Of what does Nat dream?
Who guides Nat in his dream?
Who guides Nat in his dream?
Where is Nat when he wakes in Chapter 4?
Where is Nat when he wakes in Chapter 4?
Who is Harry?
Who is Harry?
How is Nat feeling when he wakes?
How is Nat feeling when he wakes?
What does the person who greets Nat say he feared about Nat?
What does the person who greets Nat say he feared about Nat?
What school does Harry say Nat attends?
What school does Harry say Nat attends?
Who is Richard Burbage?
Who is Richard Burbage?
To where does Nat fear he has traveled?
To where does Nat fear he has traveled?
What does Nat notice about Harry's speech?
What does Nat notice about Harry's speech?
Who is the leading actor in the Lord Chamberlain's Men?
Who is the leading actor in the Lord Chamberlain's Men?
Who does Richard Burbage resemble in Nat's mind?
Who does Richard Burbage resemble in Nat's mind?
Why does Mrs. Fisher become worried?
Why does Mrs. Fisher become worried?
With what does the doctor on duty believe Nat suffers?
With what does the doctor on duty believe Nat suffers?
What does Nat think is similar to the Globe theater of 1999?
What does Nat think is similar to the Globe theater of 1999?
What is Shakespeare's company's name?
What is Shakespeare's company's name?
Who quit the acting company in a dramatic fashion?
Who quit the acting company in a dramatic fashion?
What does Nat find comforting even in the heat of an argument?
What does Nat find comforting even in the heat of an argument?
What role will Richard Burbage assume in the play, 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'?
What role will Richard Burbage assume in the play, 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'?
What seems louder to Nat?
What seems louder to Nat?
What class does Harry Cordell teach?
What class does Harry Cordell teach?
Why does Roper doubt Nat's ability?
Why does Roper doubt Nat's ability?
Who congratulates Nat on the speech that Oberon makes?
Who congratulates Nat on the speech that Oberon makes?
What class does John Heminges teach?
What class does John Heminges teach?
Study Notes
Company of Boys and Rehearsals
- The Company of Boys will rehearse in Massachusetts for 6 weeks.
- Comprises 24 members including Arby (director), Rachel (voice coach), Maisie (stage manager), Julia (partner), and 20 boy actors.
- They will travel to London after rehearsals, performing at the Globe Theater.
Characters and Relationships
- Arby emphasizes the importance of functioning like a family among the boy actors.
- Nat perceives some boy games as childish and pointless, showcasing his maturity.
- Rachel is introduced as Arby's assistant and voice coach, indicating a supportive role.
Nat's Journey and Experiences
- Nat plays Puck in "A Midsummer Night's Dream," a role that signifies his theatrical talents.
- Experiences dizziness leading to a fall while rushing to practice, indicating his physical challenges.
- Awakes in London, 1599, disoriented yet better with a lingering confusion about traveling back in time.
Nat's Development and Relationships
- Develops an uncomfortable feeling regarding discussions about his parents.
- Feels at ease with Mrs. Fisher and his aunt’s interactions, highlighting personal ties.
- Richard Burbage, an actor and house owner, resembles Arby in Nat's mind, linking past and present.
Health and Illness
- Mrs. Fisher worries for Nat's health after seeing him very sick, and a doctor suspects bubonic plague.
- Concerns of illness draw parallels to historical context and tensions about health in the era.
Acting and Theatrical Elements
- Shakespeare's company is identified as Lord Chamberlain's Men.
- Nat notes the similarities between the Globe Theater of 1999 and that of 1599, with minor architectural differences.
Other Notable Figures
- Will Kempe dramatically quits the acting company, highlighting the emotional aspects of theatrical life.
- Gymnastics and fencing classes are taught by Harry Cordell and John Heminges respectively, indicating the physical training prevalent in the theater.
- Will Shakespeare congratulates Nat on his performance, affirming his growth as an actor.
Themes and Motifs
- Trust-building through games illustrates teamwork's importance in the theater.
- The duality of time travel offers insights into the contrast of societal expectations in both eras.
- The blending of youthful ambition with historical context enhances the narrative's richness.
Studying That Suits You
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Description
Test your knowledge on the first six chapters of 'King of Shadows'. This quiz covers important details such as character dynamics, play settings, and rehearsal timelines. Perfect for understanding the key elements of the story.
