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 comedy, music, dance, and other acts. This form of entertainment played a crucial role in the development of sketch comedy shows, as it introduced a diverse array of performances that showcased humor and satire, which became integral to later television sketch comedies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Vaudeville shows were typically family-friendly and designed to appeal to a broad audience, contributing to their widespread popularity across different social classes.
2. The format allowed for a diverse range of acts, including comedians, musicians, jugglers, magicians, and dancers, creating a rich tapestry of entertainment.
3. Many famous entertainers began their careers in vaudeville, including stars like Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton, who used the stage to hone their comedic skills.
4. Vaudeville was characterized by its fast-paced performances with quick transitions between acts, which kept audiences engaged and entertained.
5. The decline of vaudeville in the 1930s was influenced by the rise of cinema and radio, which offered new forms of entertainment that could reach larger audiences.

Review Questions

• How did vaudeville influence the structure and content of modern sketch comedy shows?
  • Vaudeville laid the groundwork for modern sketch comedy shows by introducing a variety of performance styles that included comedic skits interspersed with musical numbers and other acts. The emphasis on humor and satire found in vaudeville performances has been carried over into contemporary sketch comedies. Additionally, the rapid pace and quick transitions between diverse acts in vaudeville have been mirrored in how sketches are structured today, allowing for dynamic entertainment that appeals to audiences.
• Analyze the reasons for the popularity of vaudeville during its peak in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
  • Vaudeville became popular due to its appeal to a wide audience, providing family-friendly entertainment that could be enjoyed by people from various backgrounds. The show's structure allowed for a mix of different acts that catered to diverse tastes in entertainment. Furthermore, as urbanization increased during this period, vaudeville theaters became accessible venues for leisure activities. The emergence of iconic performers also helped maintain public interest in vaudeville as a prominent form of entertainment.
• Evaluate the impact of the decline of vaudeville on the future of American entertainment forms such as television variety shows.
  • The decline of vaudeville marked a significant shift in American entertainment as audiences transitioned towards new mediums like cinema and radio. This change led to the evolution of television variety shows that incorporated elements from vaudeville but tailored them for a new audience. While traditional vaudeville formats faded away, many principles such as multi-act performances and comedic sketches were integrated into television programming. This legacy persists today in various forms of entertainment, highlighting how vaudeville's influence continues to shape modern media.

Related terms

Burlesque: A theatrical show that combines comedy with music and often features risqué humor, which has historical ties to vaudeville but focuses more on adult themes.

Minstrel Shows: A form of American entertainment that included comic skits, variety acts, and dancing, often performed in blackface, influencing the style and format of vaudeville performances.

Variety Show: A performance format that presents multiple acts or performances within a single show, which evolved from vaudeville and remains prevalent in television programming.