Vaudeville

Definition

Vaudeville is a theatrical variety show popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, featuring a mix of specialty acts such as comedians, musicians, dancers, and acrobats. This form of entertainment was characterized by its diverse range of performances, appealing to a wide audience and serving as a precursor to modern forms of entertainment like television variety shows and musicals.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Vaudeville shows were known for their rapid-fire succession of acts, often lasting several hours and featuring multiple performers.
2. The genre gained immense popularity in urban areas, particularly in the United States, where theaters dedicated solely to vaudeville sprung up.
3. Vaudeville was instrumental in launching the careers of many famous entertainers, including Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, and Mae West.
4. The decline of vaudeville began in the 1920s with the rise of silent films and later talkies, which offered a new form of entertainment that captivated audiences.
5. Many elements of vaudeville can be seen in modern entertainment formats such as talent shows and late-night television variety programs.

Review Questions

• How did vaudeville contribute to the development of modern entertainment forms?
  • Vaudeville played a significant role in shaping modern entertainment by introducing diverse performance styles and a variety of acts within a single show. The structure of vaudeville, with its rapid succession of performances, paved the way for later formats like television variety shows. Additionally, the integration of comedy, music, and dance in vaudeville acts influenced the creation of musicals and other contemporary forms of entertainment.
• 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 variety of acts that appealed to a broad audience across different social classes. It provided a platform for marginalized performers and addressed contemporary themes through humor and satire. The inclusion of ethnic diversity in some acts also mirrored the changing demographics in urban America during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
• Evaluate the impact that the decline of vaudeville had on performers and the theatrical landscape.
  • The decline of vaudeville significantly impacted performers who relied on this format for their livelihoods. Many entertainers transitioned to film or radio as these mediums became more popular. However, this shift led to a loss of live variety performances that allowed for more personal audience interactions. As vaudeville faded away, it also marked a change in the theatrical landscape, where scripted plays and musicals began to dominate stages, ultimately transforming how audiences experienced live entertainment.

Related terms

Burlesque: A form of theatrical entertainment that includes parody, humor, and often striptease elements, typically aimed at an adult audience.

Minstrel Shows: An American theatrical form that featured comic skits, variety acts, and music performances, often portraying racial stereotypes and popular in the 19th century.

Musical Theatre: A form of theatrical performance that combines songs, spoken dialogue, acting, and dance to tell a story, closely related to vaudeville's use of music and performance.