Vaudeville Shows

Definition

Vaudeville shows were a type of entertainment popular in the United States from the late 19th to early 20th century. They consisted of a variety of acts such as comedians, singers, dancers, magicians, and acrobats.

Analogy

Think of vaudeville shows like a live version of YouTube's recommended videos. Just as you might find an assortment of different content on your feed - music videos, comedy sketches, magic tricks - that's what audiences could expect at a vaudeville show.

Related terms

Music Hall: A venue for concerts, variety shows and other cultural performances during the 18th to mid-20th centuries.

Burlesque: A genre of variety show that is both provocative and comedic; it emerged in 19th-century America and often included striptease.

Minstrel Show: A form of American entertainment developed in the early 19th century where white performers painted their faces black (blackface) to caricature African-Americans.