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Vaudeville Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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vaudeville

[ˈvɔːdəˌvɪl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

theater performance

Vaudeville is a theatrical variety show that gained popularity in the United States from the late 19th century through the early 20th century. It featured a mixture of specialty acts, such as musicians, dancers, comedians, magicians, and circus performers, often performed in succession. Vaudeville was known for its family-friendly entertainment, making it accessible to a wide audience. The format of vaudeville influenced the development of modern entertainment, including television variety shows and musical theater.

Synonyms

cabaret, entertainment, variety show.

Examples of usage

  • The vaudeville acts captivated audiences across America.
  • She performed her stand-up routine in a vaudeville theater.
  • The history of vaudeville is rich with talented performers.
  • Vaudeville shows were a staple of early 20th-century entertainment.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Significance

  • Vaudeville was a significant form of entertainment before the rise of movies, drawing audiences with its variety and live performances.
  • In the U.S., famous performers like Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton began their careers in vaudeville shows.
  • The decline of vaudeville in the 1930s was influenced by the advent of sound films, which attracted many performers away from the stage.

Pop Culture

  • Modern comedy shows and variety shows can trace their roots back to the vaudeville format, influencing television and live performances today.
  • Famous shows like 'Saturday Night Live' incorporate elements reminiscent of vaudeville, such as diverse acts and sketches.
  • The practice of stand-up comedy in bars often mirrors the spontaneous, informal performances of vaudeville entertainers.

Performance Arts

  • Vaudeville performances could include anything from jugglers to magicians to acrobats, showcasing a broad range of talents.
  • The structure of a typical vaudeville show often involved a series of short acts, keeping the audience engaged and entertained.
  • The emphasis on variety in vaudeville paved the way for future performance styles, promoting the idea that different genres could coexist on one stage.

Influence on Theater

  • Many aspects of musical theater were influenced by vaudeville, particularly its emphasis on song and dance interspersed with comedic content.
  • Directors and playwrights today often study vaudeville techniques to enhance the pacing and variety of modern theatrical productions.
  • The collaborative nature of vaudeville, merging different art forms, set a precedent for contemporary multidisciplinary art shows.

Origin of 'vaudeville'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'vaudeville' comes from the French phrase 'vau de ville', which means 'valley of the city', referencing the style of entertainment from rural origins.
  • It started in the late 19th century in France before becoming popular in the United States in the early 20th century.
  • Originally, vaudeville included a mix of acts, often featuring a comedic element intertwined with dramatic performances.

The term 'vaudeville' has its roots in the French word 'voix de ville', which translates to 'voice of the city'. Originally, it referred to a type of musical play that emerged in the 14th and 15th centuries in France. These performances often included humor, music, and sketches. However, the modern form of vaudeville that we recognize today began to take shape in the United States around the 1880s, drawing influence from various European theatrical traditions. It became a popular theatrical form, especially during the 1890s, providing a platform for early comedians, musicians, and dancers. Key figures in vaudeville included acts like The Marx Brothers and Buster Keaton. The decline of vaudeville in the 1930s was due in part to the rise of talking films and changes in entertainment preferences, but its legacy continues to influence various forms of contemporary performance.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,132, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.