vaudevillian
Old-time stage comic
A vaudevillian is a performer in vaudeville—the variety entertainment popular in American theaters from the 1880s through the 1930s, featuring comedians, singers, dancers, acrobats, and novelty acts.
The word now evokes old-fashioned showmanship: broad comedy, physical humor, corny jokes.
As an adjective, vaudevillian describes entertainment with that same theatrical, slightly hammy quality: His vaudevillian timing brought down the house.
One who amuses others
- acrobatAgile circus performer
- jugglerMulti-object thrower-catcher
- magicianPerformer of illusions
- singerVocal music performer
dancer · impersonator · mime · ventriloquist · comedian · trouper · showman · monologist
Exaggerated physical humor
- shtickPerformer's signature gimmick
- gagMouth restraint or jest
- burlesqueExaggerated mockery or risqué variety
- pratfallComedic fall on buttocks
timing · punchline · comedian · humorist · buffoonery · farce · wisecrack · jest
Raised performance platform
- circuitClosed electrical pathway
- billAmount owed, written
- actDeed or performance
- revueMusical variety entertainment
sketch · curtain · orchestra · footlights · proscenium · backstage · matinee · booking
Of earlier times
- vintageQuality from past eras
- old-timeyCharmingly outdated in style
- yesteryearTime not long past
- nickelodeonCoin-fed entertainment machine
reminiscence · heyday · classic · sepia-toned · ragtime · antebellum · historic
entertainer
One who amuses others
singer · dancer · impersonator · mime · ventriloquist · comedian · trouper · showman · monologist · emcee
slapstick
Exaggerated physical humor
- shtickPerformer's signature gimmick
- gagMouth restraint or jest
- burlesqueExaggerated mockery or risqué variety
pratfall · timing · punchline · comedian · humorist · buffoonery · farce · wisecrack · jest · banter
stage
Raised performance platform
revue · sketch · curtain · orchestra · footlights · proscenium · backstage · matinee · booking · playhouse
bygone
Of earlier times
- vintageQuality from past eras
- old-timeyCharmingly outdated in style
- yesteryearTime not long past
nickelodeon · reminiscence · heyday · classic · sepia-toned · ragtime · antebellum · historic
vaudevilliandramatic actor
Performer of serious roles
tragedian · Shakespearean actor · method actor · opera singer · ballet dancer