Vaudeville acts were very popular in North America at the end of the twentieth century up until the 1930s. During this time there were vaudeville performers in most towns and cities in the US and Canada, there were even venues built specifically to host the shows. Of late there has been a resurgence of interest in this entertainment genre along with other related styles such as burlesque.

Vaudeville acts were basically variety performances that featured a number of unrelated acts in alcohol free venues. They could be found not just on the stage but also in musical performances, dances, plays, and even short films. In some ways the individual performers were likened to the artists that may have also been seen in circus and freak shows of the same era.

The reason why Vaudeville was so popular is mostly down to the variety within each show. As there would be a number of different entertainers the audience were more likely to find enjoyment then at other forms of entertainment. A typical vaudeville show would have included actors, actresses, dancers, and musicians. In between their performances would have been even more acts, some very strange and bizarre in nature.

The effect of vaudeville on the wider entertainment community can still be felt today. Many of the cinemas and theatres we frequent were originally built for Vaudeville acts. Unfortunately it was the advent of cinema that spelled the death knell for this type of genre.

Many famous stars and performers started their careers in Vaudeville. Even the great Houdini began here. We can also see the influence in early TV stars such as the three stooges and Buster Keaton, even Bob Hope and Judy Garland owe a degree of fame to Vaudeville.

If it was not for Vaudeville then today's entertainment world would be a lot more drab and boring.

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