History of Vaudeville
What is Vaudeville?
A theatrical genre that acts like a circus, with multiple unrelated acts
Who created a variety theatre that started the Vaudeville genre?
Tony Pastor
Which Vaudeville acts eventually started musical theatre?
Singing and dancing
Why was Vaudeville popular?
What popular theatrical genre was based off of Vaudeville?
Musical Theatre
What was Vaudeville named for?
It was named after the French phrase "voix de ville" or "voice of the city"
What American stage and film actress started as a child star in Vaudeville?
Mae West
How many acts would typically be in a Vaudeville performance?
10 to 15
How long did the average vaudeville performance last?
2 hours
Is Vaudeville still around today?
Yes, but it is much less popular
Where was Vaudeville first created?
In France
What was Tony Pastor before he started his variety theatre?
A ballad and minstrel singer
What kind of acts would be similar to Arlecchino from Commedia Dell'arte?
Acrobatic acts
During its prime, how many people attended vaudeville performances per day?
Two million
When did Vaudeville start to decline in popularity?
The early 20th century
When was Tony Pastor's variety theatre created?
1865
Which performer known for their silent comedic acts was supported by Vaudeville?
Charlie Chaplin
What type of entertainment was at Tony Pastor's variety theatre?
Family-friendly entertainment
How many theatres did the Keith-Albee network have?
What caused the event that started the decline of Vaudeville?
The Great Depression after World War 1
Where did Tony Pastor start his variety theatre?
In New York
What were the Marx Brothers known for?
They were comedians
Were vaudeville acts connected by a theme?
No, they were not
How many staff did the Keith-Albee network have in its prime?
20 000
What was the main reason for Vaudeville's decline?
The economic downfall