Shakespeare
The theaters of London are abuzz. In one week; her majesty the Queen will attend their new shows and will grant her support to one of the troupes. It's the chance of a lifetime for the young authors who are inflaming the populace with ever more audacious and motley plays. But how do you create a masterpiece in such a short time? Whoever has the answer to this thorny question will probably enter the rolls of history!
In Shakespeare; players are theater managers who must recruit actors; craftsmen; jewelers and others in order to assemble everything needed for the play's performance at week's end.
In more detail; the game lasts six days and on each day players recruit one new character — starting with five at the beginning of the game: four identical ones on their individual player board and one that they've drafted — and take 1-5 actions with the characters they have. Characters and their actions are:
Actors: Rehearse one or more acts in the three-act play; the more you rehearse; the more benefits you receive during the dress rehearsals on days four and six.
Costume mistress: Take costume elements to enhance your actors; if they lack a complete costume; they can't participate in the dress rehearsals.
Set dresser: Build the set. The more elaborate the set you build; the more rewards you receive — but the set must be symmetrical!
Handyman: Set them to work on whatever you need. These joes can assemble both costumes and sets; but they're not very good at it.
Assistant: Increase the power of your craftsmen; i.e.; the three roles described above.
Jeweler: Take a gold costume element or set piece to dazzle the crowd.
Queen: Earn money by giving her an early peek; or gain an objective to win her favor on the final day.
After players take actions; they check the individual ambience level in their theater; gaining or losing points or rehearsal time depending on the atmosphere. Dress rehearsal on the fourth and sixth days provide another chance for fully-dressed actors to perform; and those who are well-rehearsed earn points or money.
On all but the final days; players must allow characters who performed to rest; with only one of those characters being able to work the next day. Thus; the more you put them to work today; the less you'll be able to do tomorrow — but those who don't plan to do as much act before other players; so that might be a good thing.
In the end; players must pay their actors; with each unpaid actor blemishing your reputation and costing you points. Whoever finishes with the most prestige points wins.