In medieval theatre, the actors were primarily members of the community, including local craftsmen, tradesmen, and even clergy. These individuals often performed in religious plays, which were a significant part of medieval culture. The performances were usually held in public spaces like town squares or churches, and the actors would portray biblical characters and moral figures.
One of the most notable forms of medieval theatre was the mystery plays, which were performed by guilds. Each guild would take responsibility for a specific biblical story and perform it during religious festivals. The actors in these plays were not professional performers but rather members of the guild who had other primary occupations.
Another form of medieval theatre was the morality plays, which featured allegorical characters representing virtues and vices. These plays were often performed by traveling troupes, and the actors were usually semi-professional performers who made a living by traveling from town to town.
In summary, the actors in medieval theatre were a mix of community members, guild members, and traveling performers. They played a crucial role in bringing religious and moral stories to life for the medieval audience.