Vaudeville

Definition

Vaudeville refers to a theatrical variety show that became popular in the United States from the late 19th to the early 20th centuries, featuring a mix of specialty acts, such as comedians, musicians, dancers, and magicians. This form of entertainment is significant for its role in shaping modern theatrical performance and influencing various art forms, including film and television.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Vaudeville shows were typically family-friendly, designed to appeal to a wide audience and often included acts from various cultural backgrounds.
2. The format of vaudeville influenced the structure of later entertainment forms, including television variety shows and talent competitions.
3. Vaudeville theaters were commonly found in urban areas across the U.S., becoming a major form of entertainment before the rise of silent films.
4. Prominent vaudeville performers included figures like Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, and Mae West, many of whom transitioned successfully into film.
5. The decline of vaudeville in the 1930s was due to several factors, including the Great Depression and the rise of motion pictures, which offered a new form of mass entertainment.

Review Questions

• How did vaudeville serve as a precursor to modern entertainment forms?
  • Vaudeville laid the groundwork for modern entertainment by introducing a variety show format that emphasized diverse acts and quick transitions between performances. This model influenced the development of television variety shows and talent competitions by highlighting the importance of showcasing multiple talents within a single performance. By blending comedy, music, and dance in an accessible manner, vaudeville created a blueprint for future entertainment that remains relevant today.
• Discuss the role of vaudeville in shaping the careers of notable performers in early 20th-century America.
  • Vaudeville was instrumental in launching the careers of many iconic performers like Charlie Chaplin and Mae West. These artists honed their skills in vaudeville's diverse and demanding environment, allowing them to develop their unique styles before transitioning to film. The exposure gained from performing in vaudeville theaters also provided them with a substantial fan base that would follow them into their cinematic careers, demonstrating vaudeville's significant impact on American popular culture.
• Evaluate the cultural significance of vaudeville in reflecting societal norms and values during its peak years.
  • Vaudeville's cultural significance lies in its reflection of societal norms and values at the turn of the 20th century. It provided a platform for diverse voices and showcased talent from various cultural backgrounds, often challenging social conventions through satire and humor. Additionally, vaudeville acts addressed contemporary issues such as immigration and race relations through comedic performances. By mirroring the complexities of American society at that time, vaudeville not only entertained but also offered commentary on social dynamics, influencing how subsequent generations viewed performance art.

Related terms

Burlesque: A theatrical entertainment that combines satire and parody with music and dance, often featuring exaggerated performances.

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

Cabaret: A form of entertainment featuring music, song, dance, or drama, performed in a venue where the audience can enjoy food and drink.