How did performances at the Globe Theatre differ between summer and winter?

The Globe Theatre was an open-air structure, which significantly influenced how acting companies managed their seasonal schedules. Because the Globe lacked a roof over the yard and relied on natural light, it was primarily utilized as a summer venue.123

In contrast, indoor "private" theaters—such as the Blackfriars Theatre—were fully roofed and could be used year-round, regardless of weather or daylight conditions. By 1608, the King’s Men (formerly the Lord Chamberlain’s Men) operated both venues simultaneously to maximize their productivity: they performed at the open-air Globe during the summer months and moved to the indoor Blackfriars for the winter season.42

This dual-theater strategy allowed the company to maintain a consistent performance schedule throughout the year, despite the environmental limitations of the Globe’s design.2