Shakespeare was not only a playwright, but an actor as well, and served as a member of the acting troupe the Lord Chamberlain's Men (later known as the King's Men).

From 1594, Shakespeare's plays were performed only by the Lord Chamberlain's Men, a company owned by a group of players, including Shakespeare, that soon became the leading playing company in London.

Shakespeare, who went up to London from Stratford-on-Avon as an actor, pursued his two careers with immense success. He became one of the partners who owned the Chamberlain's men, a company of actors.