Vaudeville

Definition

Vaudeville is a theatrical variety show that became popular in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, featuring a mix of specialty acts such as musicians, dancers, comedians, and magicians. This form of entertainment played a crucial role in shaping the development of modern comedy and variety programming on television, influencing comedic styles and performance techniques that are still relevant today.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Vaudeville was characterized by its diverse range of acts, including stand-up comedy, acrobatics, musical performances, and dramatic readings, appealing to various audience demographics.
2. The rise of vaudeville coincided with the growth of urban centers in America, where theaters could draw large crowds eager for entertainment.
3. Many famous comedians and entertainers got their start in vaudeville, including Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, and the Marx Brothers, who utilized its style in later film and television work.
4. Vaudeville shows were typically family-friendly, providing wholesome entertainment compared to other forms like burlesque that were often more risqué.
5. The decline of vaudeville in the 1930s was largely due to the rise of motion pictures and radio, which offered new forms of entertainment that overshadowed live performances.

Review Questions

• How did vaudeville contribute to the development of comedy as a performance art?
  • Vaudeville contributed significantly to comedy by providing a platform for diverse comedic styles and performance techniques. Comedians experimented with timing, delivery, and physical humor in front of live audiences. This variety allowed for the blending of different comedic genres and laid the groundwork for future television comedy by influencing how humor was structured and performed.
• In what ways did vaudeville reflect the social and cultural dynamics of its time?
  • Vaudeville reflected the social and cultural dynamics of its era by showcasing a mix of ethnicities, classes, and performance styles. It provided a space where immigrant communities could share their culture while also adopting mainstream American themes. The acts often included social commentary through humor, allowing audiences to engage with contemporary issues while being entertained.
• Evaluate the impact of vaudeville on modern television variety shows and comedic programming.
  • Vaudeville's impact on modern television is profound, as it established the format for variety shows that combine multiple types of entertainment into one program. Elements such as sketch comedy, musical performances, and guest appearances became staples in shows like 'Saturday Night Live' and 'The Ed Sullivan Show.' Furthermore, the comedic techniques pioneered in vaudeville continue to influence stand-up comedians today, shaping how humor is presented on screen.

Related terms

Burlesque: A theatrical entertainment that features humorous or satirical sketches, often with a focus on parody and suggestive content, which was a more risqué counterpart to vaudeville.

Minstrel Show: A form of American entertainment that featured white performers in blackface, performing songs, dances, and comic skits that perpetuated racial stereotypes, which influenced early vaudeville acts.

Variety Show: A theatrical or television program that features a series of different acts or performances, similar to vaudeville but often tailored for broader audiences and incorporating modern elements.