What were theatres like in the Shakespearean/Elizabethan times?What was the atmosphere like? How did it look?

Most Elizabethan theatres were open-air buildings with a
raised stage that helped create better viewing for those with distant positions. Most
performances were done during the afternoon, since lighting presented a problem in the
days before electricity. Performances were most popular during non-winter months, since
the extreme cold of the amphitheatres discouraged many paying customers. The theatre
(and its actors) had a somewhat unsavory reputation, and London banned performances
within city limits, hence, the building of theatres across the Thames River. Earlier
performances were often held in courtyards, inns and in the homes of noblemen. Women
often attended (though some wore disguises), but women were banned from performing
on-stage; boys or young men usually played the part of females. There was usually one
main entrance to the theatre, but there were plenty of stalls used by vendors to sell
merchandise and food.  Performances were truly an important event, meant to draw people
of all classes including those with only a slight interest in the
theatre.

For example, the Globe
Theatre (the famed site of many of Shakespeare's plays) could house about
3000 spectators. It was an open-air amphitheatre with both seating for higher paying
customers and a "pit" that was used for standing room only (at a cost of usually one
penny). The stage was approximately 43 feet x 27 feet and raised 5 feet above the
earthen floor, which was probably covered with straw. Trap doors were used for various
entries and storage. A roof covered a portion of the rear of the stage. Originally
thought to be round, The Globe was probably polygonal.