From 1590-1642, only 4-5 companies played in London at one time. More provincial troupes than city-playing companies demonstrates that for William Shakespeare’s lifetime, it was the purpose built theater that was new, while travelling companies were the traditional way to tell stories through performance. To help us understand travelling theater companies is Sally-Beth Maclean the REED Director of Research & General Editor of the Records of Early English Drama series at the University of Toronto.