The features that distinguish Elizabethan drama from earlier froms of theater are:
1) a new focus on secular, rather than religious, themes
Earlier froms of theater usually focused on religious stories and themes, but with the beginning of the Elizabethan era, secular themes became more and more common, with stories like<em>The Duchess of Malfi </em>by John Webster.
2) performances in theathers by professional actors
Before the Elizabethan era, basically anyone could act in a play, but the profession of actor was not entirely consolidated. With the beginning of Elizabethan drama, many actors formed the profession with sweat and blood, like William Alabaster, Edward Alleyn and Robert Armin, among others.
3) exploration of human experience, as well as politics and philosophy
In previous forms of theater, religious stories predominated, but with the beginning of the Elizabethan era, morality and secular stories became more common, and other topics, such as politics and philosphy, were discussed.
