Early Theatre: A Journal Associated with the Records of Early English Drama publishes peer-reviewed research on medieval and early modern drama and theatre history.

Our primary focus is early English drama and performance, including records pertaining to actors, theatres, music, dance, and entertainment of all kinds, but we also publish on subjects relating to early English drama as it impinges on or is influenced by other international practices.

In addition to full length articles, notes, review essays, and book reviews, our annual 'Issues in Review' forum offers a series of short essays dedicated to a current 'hot' topic in performance history and theory, highlighting new research directions in order to shape the field for further work. We also publish occasional special volumes with sustained attention to particular topics.

In recognition of the excellence of our contributors, we issue biennial prizes in three categories. Please visit our Essay Prizes page for details!

Issues of Early Theatre published in the last year are available by subscription. Content that has been published for one year or more is freely available on this website. Early Theatre’s green open access distribution policy aligns with the UK Research Excellence Framework recommendations and Canadian TriCouncil requirements for open access.