The buildings, although of smaller dimensions than the public theatres boasted, were arranged with more regard for the comfort of the spectators.

The boxes were enclosed and locked.

There were _pits_ furnished with seats, in place of the _yards_, as they were called, of the public theatres, in which the "groundlings" were compelled to stand throughout the performance.

And the whole house was roofed in from the weather; whereas the public theatres were open to the sky, excepting over the stage and boxes.

Moreover, the performances at the private theatres were presented by candle or torch light.