The Lord Chamberlain's Men was a prominent theatrical company in England during the late 16th and early 17th centuries. Founded in 1594, it was one of the leading acting troupes of the time and performed at the Theatre and later at the Globe Theatre. The company was known for its high-quality productions and featured many of the era's best actors. William Shakespeare was a key member of the Lord Chamberlain's Men, serving as both an actor and playwright. Many of his famous plays, including Hamlet and A Midsummer Night's Dream, were written for this company. The troupe enjoyed royal patronage, which helped elevate its status in the competitive world of Elizabethan theatre.