The Globe Theatre where many of Shakespeare's plays were performed helped the people to see the Chamberlain's Men (Shakespeares travelling acting troupe) at close quarters in a customized venue - it was built especially for them.
The theater was constructed (some say from 'borrowed staging' from other theaters!) during the Bard's first writing period. One of his 'friends' or 'patrons' could be said to be in Cuthbert Burbage, brother of Richard -the most famous Shakespearean actor of the time, Richard Burbage.
Other 'patrons/friends' would have been associates of Burbage - they were assured of a steady source of excellent content for The Chamberlain's Men because Shakespeare was their writer. In fact, many of the so-called patrons were partners themselves as they belonged to the troupe (John Heminge, Augustine Phillips, Thomas Pope, Will Kempe, and, Shakespeare himself.) The Lord Chamberlain representing Queen Elizabeth) was a sponsor.
As to the audience or the people - there were ticket prices to suit all, and the rich rubbed shoulders with the poor - that was probably the biggest effect of all - that the classes could mix in a cultural/entertainment venue.
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