Vaudeville

Definition

Vaudeville was a theatrical variety show popular in the United States from the late 19th century until the early 20th century, featuring a mix of specialty acts such as comedians, musicians, dancers, and magicians. It played a significant role in shaping American entertainment, drawing influences from earlier forms like minstrel shows and often employing similar racial stereotypes, which had lasting effects on the perception of race in theater.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Vaudeville emerged in the United States in the 1880s and became a dominant form of entertainment by the turn of the century.
2. The format allowed for a wide range of acts, making it appealing to various audiences and contributing to its popularity across social classes.
3. Major vaudeville circuits, such as the Orpheum and Keith-Albee, helped standardize performances and promote artists across the country.
4. Vaudeville's decline began in the 1930s due to the rise of film and radio, which provided new forms of entertainment that were more accessible to the public.
5. While vaudeville had a reputation for family-friendly entertainment, many acts drew on themes and humor that perpetuated racial stereotypes originating from minstrel shows.

Review Questions

• How did vaudeville serve as a bridge between earlier theatrical forms like minstrel shows and modern entertainment?
  • Vaudeville built on the popularity of minstrel shows by incorporating elements such as variety acts and musical performances but attempted to present them in a more sophisticated format. While it maintained some of the racial stereotypes established by minstrel shows, vaudeville expanded its appeal by including diverse acts that attracted wider audiences. This evolution illustrates how entertainment forms can adapt over time while still reflecting historical social dynamics.
• In what ways did vaudeville influence American culture and society during its peak?
  • Vaudeville influenced American culture by providing a platform for diverse talents and contributing to the shaping of popular music and comedy. It helped establish comedians like Charlie Chaplin and musicians like Al Jolson as household names, influencing future generations of entertainers. Furthermore, it introduced audiences to new performance styles and cultural expressions that reflected the melting pot of American society during that era.
• Evaluate the legacy of vaudeville in relation to its impact on contemporary performance arts and social perceptions.
  • The legacy of vaudeville can be seen in contemporary performance arts through its influence on television variety shows and stand-up comedy. Vaudeville's emphasis on diverse acts paved the way for modern talent showcases that celebrate multiculturalism. However, its roots in racial stereotypes raise critical questions about representation and identity in entertainment today. By examining this legacy, we can understand how past performance styles continue to shape current narratives about race, culture, and artistic expression.

Related terms

Minstrel Shows: A form of entertainment that included music, dance, and comic skits based on racial stereotypes of African Americans, which laid the groundwork for future theatrical forms like vaudeville.

Burlesque: A variety show that parodied serious works and featured comedic skits, music, and often risque performances, which emerged as a counterpart to vaudeville in the early 20th century.

Theatre Districts: Areas in cities where theaters are concentrated, particularly important for vaudeville as it thrived in urban environments, attracting diverse audiences.