Vaudeville

Definition

Vaudeville was a theatrical variety show popular in the United States from the late 19th century to the early 20th century, featuring a mix of various acts such as musicians, comedians, dancers, and acrobats. These shows were characterized by their light entertainment style and often included live music, which played a significant role in enhancing the overall experience for audiences. Vaudeville's influence is seen in modern forms of entertainment, including musical theater and variety shows, where live performances are integrated seamlessly.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Vaudeville shows were structured with a series of acts that could include anything from musical performances to magic tricks, providing a diverse entertainment experience.
2. Live music was a crucial element of vaudeville, often performed by an onstage band or orchestra that accompanied the acts and enhanced the atmosphere.
3. The decline of vaudeville began in the 1920s with the rise of radio and film, which offered more accessible forms of entertainment that captured audiences' attention.
4. Famous performers like Buster Keaton and W.C. Fields began their careers in vaudeville before transitioning to film, showcasing its importance as a training ground for talent.
5. Vaudeville's influence can still be seen today in various entertainment forms, such as comedy clubs and television variety shows that highlight multiple acts in one performance.

Review Questions

• How did live music integration contribute to the popularity of vaudeville shows during their peak?
  • Live music integration was vital for vaudeville shows as it created an engaging atmosphere that enhanced audience enjoyment. Musicians provided not only background music but also underscored comedic moments or transitions between acts, making performances more dynamic. The presence of live musicians allowed for spontaneous interactions and improvisation, which kept audiences entertained and coming back for more.
• In what ways did vaudeville influence the development of modern musical theater?
  • Vaudeville played a significant role in shaping modern musical theater by introducing the concept of variety within a performance. Its emphasis on combining music, dance, and comedy laid the groundwork for the narrative structures we see in contemporary musicals. Additionally, many performers who started in vaudeville transitioned to Broadway, bringing their skills and styles with them, thus enriching the genre.
• Evaluate the impact of technological advancements on the decline of vaudeville and how it reshaped live performance culture.
  • The decline of vaudeville was significantly influenced by technological advancements such as radio and film, which offered audiences new forms of entertainment that were more accessible. As these mediums gained popularity, they shifted audience preferences away from live performances. This transition ultimately reshaped live performance culture by paving the way for specialized genres like musical theater while also giving rise to new formats such as variety shows on television that still incorporate elements of vaudeville.

Related terms

Burlesque: A theatrical form that often included humorous and exaggerated performances, usually with a focus on satire and parody.

Minstrel Show: A type of entertainment featuring comic skits, variety acts, dancing, and music, performed by white actors in blackface and popular in the 19th century.

Musical Theater: A form of theater that combines songs, spoken dialogue, acting, and dance to tell a story, heavily influenced by vaudeville traditions.