Vaudeville

The Sandow Trocadero Vaudevilles, performing arts poster, 1894

Character comedian charles e grapewin

Kirksville Mercantile College

How to Enter Vaudeville cover

Marie Dressler in "Tillie the Scrub Lady" (SAYRE 23576)

Trixie Friganza Hayes

Vaudeville was a genre of multi-act theater popular in the United States and Canada from the early 1880s until the early 1930s. Characterized by a variety of acts such as comedy, dance, live music, and magic shows, vaudeville was a precursor to the modern variety show. Unlike burlesque, which tended to include adult content, vaudeville was family-friendly and prided itself on its suitability for all audiences.

History

Vaudeville's roots can be traced back to the minstrel shows of the early 19th century, but it distinguished itself by its variety of acts and its appeal to a broad audience. The name "vaudeville" is believed to derive from the French "voix de ville," meaning "voice of the city." Vaudeville theaters, known as "vaudeville houses," became cultural hubs in cities across North America.

In the late 19th century, Tony Pastor is credited with establishing vaudeville as a respectable form of entertainment by enforcing a strict code of conduct for performances and audiences alike. This move helped to attract a middle-class audience, further boosting the popularity of vaudeville shows.

As the 20th century progressed, vaudeville faced increasing competition from cinema, radio, and later, television. The introduction of talking movies in the late 1920s was particularly damaging to vaudeville, which could not compete with the novelty and convenience of film. By the 1930s, most vaudeville theaters had either closed or converted to movie theaters.

Structure

A typical vaudeville performance consisted of a series of separate, unrelated acts grouped together on a common bill. These could include musicians, singers, dancers, comedians, animal acts, magicians, ventriloquists, and dramatizations of popular novels or plays. Performances were highly varied, with the intention of providing something for everyone in the audience.

Legacy

Although vaudeville theaters have largely disappeared, the genre's influence persists in modern entertainment. The variety show format, with its diverse range of acts, can be seen in contemporary television shows. Moreover, many of the techniques and styles of humor developed in vaudeville have been incorporated into modern stand-up comedy.

Notable Performers

Some of the most famous entertainers in American history got their start in vaudeville, including Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, the Marx Brothers, and W.C. Fields. These performers were able to transition from vaudeville to cinema, bringing elements of their vaudeville acts to the silver screen.

See Also

• Minstrel show
• Burlesque
• Music hall