Vaudeville

Definition

Vaudeville was a theatrical variety show popular in the United States from the late 19th century to the early 20th century, characterized by a diverse lineup of acts including music, dance, comedy, and specialty performances. This entertainment form emerged from earlier variety shows and minstrelsy, blending various genres and attracting a wide audience, reflecting the multicultural influences in American entertainment.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Vaudeville shows were structured in multiple acts, often featuring a series of short performances that kept the audience engaged throughout the event.
2. The popularity of vaudeville grew with the rise of urbanization and the middle class in America, making live entertainment more accessible to a larger audience.
3. Vaudeville was crucial in launching the careers of many famous entertainers, including Buster Keaton, Bob Hope, and Mae West, who later transitioned into film.
4. The format of vaudeville influenced the development of later entertainment forms such as television variety shows and musical theater.
5. Vaudeville declined in popularity due to the rise of cinema in the 1920s, which offered audiences a new form of affordable and convenient entertainment.

Review Questions

• How did vaudeville differentiate itself from minstrelsy, and what impact did this have on its popularity?
  • Vaudeville differentiated itself from minstrelsy by incorporating a wider range of acts and moving away from the racially charged caricatures that defined minstrel shows. While minstrelsy focused on blackface performances and stereotypes, vaudeville celebrated diversity by showcasing various talents, including ethnic acts and comedic skits without racial overtones. This shift allowed vaudeville to attract a broader audience and made it more acceptable to families and women, contributing to its rise in popularity during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
• Discuss the role of urbanization and the middle class in shaping the development and success of vaudeville.
  • Urbanization played a significant role in the development of vaudeville as cities grew and populations increased during the late 19th century. The expanding middle class sought affordable forms of entertainment that could be enjoyed as a family outing. Vaudeville theaters sprang up in urban areas to cater to this demographic, providing a diverse range of performances that appealed to various tastes. The availability of vaudeville shows made live entertainment accessible to many people, solidifying its status as a dominant form of amusement during this period.
• Evaluate the influence of vaudeville on American entertainment culture beyond its own era.
  • Vaudeville had a lasting impact on American entertainment culture that extended well beyond its own era. It established a model for variety shows that would later be adopted by television programs, influencing formats like sketch comedies and talent showcases. Many vaudeville performers transitioned into film, bringing their skills to Hollywood and shaping early cinema. Additionally, vaudeville's emphasis on diverse acts set the stage for future performance art forms that celebrate cultural variety and individuality. Its legacy can still be seen in contemporary entertainment through live performances that integrate multiple genres and showcase diverse talents.

Related terms

Minstrelsy: A form of entertainment that featured white performers in blackface portraying exaggerated stereotypes of African Americans, often combining music, dance, and comedic skits.

Burlesque: A theatrical entertainment that satirized serious works or social norms through humor and exaggerated performances, often featuring striptease elements.

Variety Show: A stage or television show that includes a mix of different types of entertainment acts, such as music performances, comedy sketches, and dance routines.