Acting Shakespeare

by John Gielgud

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What acting troupe was Shakespeare a part of?

Quick answer:

Shakespeare was part of the acting troupe originally known as The Lord Chamberlain's Men. It underwent name changes to Lord Hunsdon's Men and finally The King's Men when James I ascended the throne in 1603. Shakespeare worked as both actor and playwright for this company, which became one of the leading acting companies in London, receiving patronage from King James I.

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The group was originally called The Lord Chamberlain's Men but the group went through two name changes and were additionally named for Hunsdon and James I. The name was first changed to Lord Hunsdon's Men the to. According to Wikipedia:

The Lord Chamberlain's Men was the playing company that William Shakespeare worked for as actor and playwright for most of his career. ... it had become, by 1603, one of the two leading companies of the city and was subsequently patronized by James I.
... it was briefly known as Lord Hunsdon's Men for George Carey, 2nd Baron Hunsdon, until Hudson in turn became Lord Chamberlain ... whereupon it reverted to its previous name. The company became The King's Men ... when King James ascended the throne ....

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