Vaudeville

Definition

Vaudeville is a theatrical variety show that became popular in the United States from the late 19th century to the early 20th century, featuring a mix of different entertainment acts such as comedians, musicians, dancers, and magicians. This form of entertainment combined various performance styles and often included humor, music, and spectacle, making it a significant precursor to modern forms of entertainment like television and musical theater.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Vaudeville shows typically featured a series of acts on one stage, allowing for a quick change of entertainment styles and keeping the audience engaged.
2. The format of vaudeville allowed performers from diverse backgrounds to showcase their talents, leading to a rich blend of cultures in American entertainment.
3. Many famous entertainers got their start in vaudeville, including Buster Keaton, Charlie Chaplin, and the Marx Brothers, who all went on to achieve significant fame in film.
4. The rise of cinema in the 1920s led to a decline in vaudeville's popularity as silent films and eventually talkies became the primary form of entertainment.
5. Vaudeville's influence can still be seen today in various forms of entertainment such as variety shows, talent competitions, and some aspects of musical theater.

Review Questions

• How did vaudeville combine different performance styles and what impact did this have on its popularity?
  • Vaudeville's unique appeal came from its diverse array of acts that included comedy, music, dance, and magic. By presenting a mix of genres on one stage, vaudeville kept audiences entertained and engaged, allowing them to experience various forms of entertainment in a single sitting. This variety helped create a lively atmosphere that attracted many different types of people, contributing significantly to its popularity during its peak.
• In what ways did vaudeville serve as a cultural melting pot for American entertainment?
  • Vaudeville served as a cultural melting pot by featuring performers from various ethnic backgrounds and showcasing different art forms. Acts often included traditional songs and dances from immigrant communities, alongside American folk traditions. This blending of cultures not only entertained but also reflected the diverse society in which it thrived, influencing future generations of performers and shaping the landscape of American entertainment.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of vaudeville on modern entertainment formats and how it paved the way for future performance arts.
  • Vaudeville's long-term effects on modern entertainment are profound, as it laid the groundwork for various performance arts like television variety shows and musical theater. The structure of presenting multiple acts in one show influenced formats that are still prevalent today. Additionally, many techniques used in vaudeville performances—such as timing in comedy and audience interaction—have been integrated into contemporary performance styles, ensuring that its legacy endures in the fabric of modern entertainment.

Related terms

Burlesque: A form of theatrical entertainment that often involves humorous or satirical sketches and can include elements of striptease or adult themes.

Minstrel Show: A performance featuring comic skits, dances, and music, often based on stereotypes of African American culture, which was popular in the 19th century.

Revue: A type of multi-act theatrical entertainment that combines various musical and comedic performances, typically with a unifying theme.