The spelling of "vaudeville comedian" can be confusing because of its pronunciation. The correct IPA phonetic transcription is /vɔːdˈvɪl kəˈmiːdiən/. The word "vaudeville" is derived from French and pronounced as "vode-vil" in English. It refers to a kind of variety show with music, comedy, and other acts. The word "comedian" is pronounced as "kuh-mee-dee-uhn" with a stressed "mee" sound. A vaudeville comedian was a performer who entertained audiences with humorous acts and jokes in the vaudeville shows of the early 20th-century America.
A vaudeville comedian refers to a performer who specializes in comedic acts within the vaudeville genre, a popular form of entertainment in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Vaudeville originated in the United States and encompassed various stage performances such as songs, sketches, magic tricks, acrobatics, and comedy routines.
A vaudeville comedian, also known as a vaudeville comic or a vaudeville funny man/woman, was an individual who developed a specific set of comedic skills and routines to entertain audiences. These comedians were typically witty and relied heavily on physical comedy, wordplay, satire, and slapstick humor to generate laughter. Their performances often included jokes, puns, one-liners, and humorous stories.
The vaudeville comedian's persona varied widely, from eccentric and zany characters to clever and sharp-witted personalities. They were known for their ability to engage with the audience and deliver quick, spontaneous humor. Vaudeville comedians were skilled at improvisation, adapting their acts to different venues and audience preferences.
Their acts were typically short, making the audience laugh through quick succession of jokes and gags. These comedians often performed as solo acts or as part of a larger vaudeville show, which consisted of multiple performers showcasing their respective talents.
While the popularity of vaudeville declined with the rise of motion pictures and the advent of modern theater, the legacy of vaudeville comedians continues to influence contemporary comedy. Many of their comedic techniques and styles still resonate today, establishing them as pioneers in the evolution of comedy as an art form.
The term "vaudeville comedian" combines two elements: "vaudeville" and "comedian".vaudeville" originated from the French term "voix de ville", meaning "voice of the town" or "voice of the city". It referred to popular songs and ballads performed by troubadours and wandering minstrels in medieval France. The term eventually evolved into "vaudevire" in the 16th century, then transformed into "vaudeville" in the 18th century.
Vaudeville became a popular form of variety entertainment in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It consisted of a series of short acts including musical performances, acrobatics, dance routines, comedy sketches, and more. Comedians were one of the main attractions in vaudeville shows, showcasing jokes, funny monologues, physical comedy, and humorous skits.