The characteristics of vaudeville performers reflect the diverse and quirky spirit of the vaudeville age. Show business professionals were a special breed of people in the late 1800s and early 1900s-and the characteristics of vaudeville performers show the diversity and uniqueness of the times. Most vaudeville performers didn't enter show business with the goal of fame and fortune. Primarily, they were simply looking for a way to earn a living-and earn it they did. They typical vaudeville show consisted of between eight to ten acts and would include everything from singers, dancers, acrobats, jugglers, one-act plays, high divers, escape artists, freak shows and the always popular regurgitators, who would drink and then spout out liquids. Vaudeville shows would be comprised of as wide a variety of performances as possible to try to please every audience.
Billing in a vaudeville act was a testament to not only the type of act, but also the act's popularity. Shows typically began with a silent act like jugglers or acrobats, as audiences were shuffling in and taking their seats. Act two was often a group of "singing sisters" or "dancing brothers" billed as family-whether or not they were actually related. Act three would consist of a one-act play or a comedy sketch. Many times famous Broadway stars would perform in the third act of a vaudeville show. Big names such as Sarah Bernhardt, Ethyl Barrymore and Helen Hayes were top draws. These plays were often written by some of the country's greatest writers including Jack London, J.M. Barrie and George M. Cohan. For the fourth act, audiences could expect a novelty act or an eccentric dance to renew interest and pick up the pace. Act five would typically close out the first half of the show and would feature either a fresh new star or one who was only slightly past his or her prime.
The second half of the show would begin with a big act-large orchestra numbers or animal acts often filled act six. Next to last, act seven, was reserved for the headliner. Those who booked this spot were the stars of the show - and stars they were. Jack Benny, Kate Smith and the pairing of George Burns and Gracie Allen were just a few of the headlining acts who would score the seventh act in vaudeville shows. Finally, the closing act would often be filled with another silent act or a second-rate singer or a semi-talented one-man band, as audiences would begin to leave the theatre.
Vaudeville performers ranged from the highest quality talent in the country to acts that weren't worth the cost of the show, but with at least eight different performances per show, there was always something for everyone.
 | The history of vaudeville proves a huge link in the chain between Shakespeare and Hollywood. |
 | Scott Joplin is today known as the King of Ragtime, but for most of his life, Joplin was just another man trying to make his name and his music. |
Find articles about vaudeville, including the history of vaudeville and vaudeville performers. |
