Shakespearean companies were theatrical groups that performed plays during the late 16th and early 17th centuries in England. These companies were often associated with specific theaters, such as the Globe Theatre, and included notable actors and playwrights. William Shakespeare was a key figure in these companies, writing many of his famous works for them. These companies operated under a system where actors were both performers and shareholders, allowing them to share in the profits. They performed a variety of plays, including comedies, tragedies, and histories, catering to diverse audiences in London and beyond.