Early modern audiences have received increased attention amongst scholars in recent years, invigorated by new interdisciplinary approaches. The period 1400-1800 marked major shifts: from manuscript to print culture, the rise of professional theatre, and the development of ‘amateur’ street and household performance. Whether gathered in rowdy playhouses, overhearing singers on the street, or engaged in devotional reading at home, audiences across this period could take many forms.
This two-day conference aims to explore the opportunities and challenges that arise by centring the audience in discussions of early modern entertainment. In doing so, we hope to invite a unique opportunity to consider who was engaging with sources of entertainment, and why. Is a royal ordinance strictly a document that describes a law, or is it political theatre designed to stir a reaction in people? Is a printed ballad the final authority, or is its performance an opportunity for subversion?
Featuring keynote addresses from Professor Elaine Hobby and Professor Pete Smith, workshops, and a live performance, this free conference has been kindly funded by Midlands4Cities (AHRC). We welcome abstracts of up to 250 words for individual research papers of 20 minutes in length, or 700 words for a panel of three people presenting on a shared topic or sub-theme.
Please submit abstracts via https://forms.gle/5sRBFGpnHCPjguxx6 before Friday 13th November 2026. (23:59 GMT). Successful applicants will be notified by Monday 30th November 2026. Papers are particularly welcomed by PGRs and ECRs. A full programme will follow shortly. For more information or questions, please email: [email protected]