How to Be Vaudeville Comedian - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Mar 1, 2023 / 4 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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FAQ

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Vaudeville comedy flourished in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as a form of entertainment that combined comedy, song, and dance performances. Vaudeville comedians often relied on jokes, slapstick, and improvisation to get laughs from the audience. This type of comedy had a profound impact on popular culture and entertainment, as it paved the way for later comedic genres such as stand-up and situation comedies.

Vaudeville comedians also served as an important influence on later generations of comedians, including the likes of Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, and The Marx Brothers. Without the influence of these early Vaudeville performers, the world of entertainment would be quite different today.

Steps How to Become

Learn about the history of Vaudeville comedy. Vaudeville was a popular form of entertainment that began in the late 19th century and lasted until the 1930s. It was a type of variety show featuring skits, musical acts, and stand-up comedy.
Develop your comedic style. Vaudeville comedians typically used physical humor, one-liners, puns, and lighthearted ribbing of the audience.
Take acting classes. Learning the basics of acting can help you develop your comedic timing and delivery.
Write your own material. Developing original material can help you stand out from other comedians.
Get stage time. Practicing on stage is one of the best ways to hone your craft as a comedian. Start by performing in local open mics, then move on to bigger venues.
Network with other comedians. Networking can help you find opportunities to perform, as well as giving you a chance to learn from more experienced comedians.
Market yourself. Create a website and social media accounts to promote yourself and attract new fans.

The key to becoming an ideal and competent vaudeville comedian is to have a well-developed act that is both clever and entertaining. A good vaudeville act requires a combination of elements such as writing sharp, witty jokes, developing a unique stage persona, and honing one's improvisational skills. An act must also be composed of well-timed gags, skits, and routines that are appropriate for the audience.

a comedian must possess the ability to read their audience and adjust the performance accordingly in order to create the desired effect. Lastly, having a good stage presence can help a comedian connect with their audience and make the act more memorable. With the right amount of practice, dedication, and creativity, anyone can become an ideal and competent vaudeville comedian.

You may want to check One-Liner Comedian, Street Comedian, and Comedy Festival Promoter for alternative.

Job Description

Emcee
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Skills and Competencies to Have

Ability to write and deliver humorous material
Knowledge of comedic timing and delivery
Ability to engage an audience in a comedic manner
Ability to improvise and think quickly
Ability to take direction
Ability to work with other performers
Strong physical and vocal presence
Good knowledge of popular culture and current events
Ability to develop characters and stories
Knowledge of basic theatrical techniques

Being a successful vaudeville comedian requires a number of skills. Perhaps the most important skill is the ability to write comedy that is both funny and entertaining. Without a good sense of humor, a vaudeville comedian will have a hard time succeeding.

They must also be able to create and tell jokes that can be easily understood by the audience. vaudeville comedians must be able to act out their jokes in an engaging way and use physical comedy, facial expressions, and body language to enhance the comedic effect. Lastly, vaudeville comedians must be able to react to audience members reactions in a timely manner and adjust their jokes and performances accordingly.

The combination of these skills is essential for any vaudeville comedian looking to make a name for themselves in the industry.

Standup/Sketch Comedian, Slapstick Comedian, and Character Comedian are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What inspired you to become a Vaudeville Comedian?
How would you describe your style of comedy?
What techniques do you use to write your material?
What do you think makes Vaudeville Comedy so special?
What experience do you have performing in front of a live audience?
How would you handle hecklers or unexpected audience reactions?
What advice would you give to aspiring Vaudeville Comedians?
Are there any particular Vaudeville performers who inspire you?
How do you stay up-to-date with the latest trends in comedy?
What is the most memorable moment in your career as a Vaudeville Comedian?

Common Tools in Industry

Punchlines. Punchlines are jokes or humorous statements that end a joke or story and are used for comedic effect. (eg: "What did the fish say when it hit the wall? Dam!")
Joke Book. A book containing a collection of jokes and humorous stories. (eg: "Knock, Knock. Who's there? Orange. Orange who? Orange you going to answer the door?")
Props. Anything used as a visual aid during a performance, such as a hat, cane, or balloon. (eg: A vaudeville comedian might use a rubber chicken as a prop to get a laugh. )
Characterizations. Impersonations of other people, animals, or objects. (eg: A vaudeville comedian might imitate a chicken to get a laugh. )
Improvisation. The ability to think and act quickly in response to the audience's reactions. (eg: A vaudeville comedian might make up a joke on the spot in response to an audience member's comment. )
Slapstick. Physical comedy involving exaggerated motions and sound effects. (eg: A vaudeville comedian might pretend to trip and fall for comedic effect. )

Professional Organizations to Know

American Federation of Musicians (AFM)
Actors' Equity Association (AEA)
The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE)
Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA)
American Guild of Variety Artists (AGVA)
The National Comedy Theatre (NCT)
International Brotherhood of Magicians (IBM)
The American Guild of Vaudeville Artists (AGVA)
The American Federation of Radio and Television Artists (AFTRA)
The American Association of Variety Performers (AAVP)

We also have Sketch Show Writer/Performer, Video Sketch Writer/Performer, and Comedy Festival Stage Manager jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Patter. A type of comedic dialogue or monologue delivered in a quick, rhythmic fashion.
One-liner. A short, wry joke typically consisting of one sentence.
Sight gag. A visual joke used in comedy that relies on physical actions or props.
Double entendre. A figure of speech or an expression that can be understood in two ways, with one being humorous.
Timing. The ability to deliver a joke at just the right moment for maximum comedic effect.
Improvisation. The act of spontaneously creating comedic material in the moment.
Audience participation. Inviting audience members to join in the comedic performance.
Slapstick. A type of physical comedy involving exaggerated, over-the-top movements and pratfalls.
Physical comedy. Comedy that involves exaggerated body movements and facial expressions to create humor.
Character comedy. Comedy based around a performed character with its own unique quirks, mannerisms, and personality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was the most popular Vaudeville Comedian in the early 1900s?

The most popular Vaudeville Comedian in the early 1900s was Eddie Cantor.

What was a common form of comedy used in Vaudeville?

A common form of comedy used in Vaudeville was slapstick.

How long did the Vaudeville era last?

The Vaudeville era lasted from the 1880s to the 1930s.

What role did the talent scouts play in the Vaudeville era?

Talent scouts played an important role in the Vaudeville era by discovering and booking acts for Vaudeville theaters.

Who are some of the best-known Vaudeville acts?

Some of the best-known Vaudeville acts include the Marx Brothers, Buster Keaton, and W.C. Fields.

Web Resources

Comedians | The American Vaudeville Museum vaudeville.sites.arizona.edu
Stories | The American Vaudeville Museum vaudeville.sites.arizona.edu
Comedians The American Vaudeville Archive Special vaudeville.library.arizona.edu