19th Century American Theatre

Architecture

Showboats entertained people along the Mississippi

Major theatres built new theatres-narrow aprons, small houses

Incandescent lights after 1880

Important Events

Sparse drama in colonies

William and Mary College first playhouse in America (Virginia)

Actors began using greasepaint and historically accurate costumes

Actors were “on the road”, meaning they toured-one night performances

Minstrel Show

Native American theatre, the Ministrel show

Black face

Ethnic songs and jokes-stereotypes

MelodramaMelodrama-a drama characterized by exaggerated emotions, stereotypical characters, and interpersonal conflicts

Titles: The Drunkard, Dirty Works at the Crossroads

Vaudeville

Vaudeville-variety show featuring singers, acrobats, jugglers, dancers, comedians, trained animals

Family entertainment

People (need not write)

Edwin Booth—considered greatest American actor

Joseph Jefferson

Richard Mansfield

Maude Adams

Mrs. John Drew

Maude Adams-most famous role Peter Pan

Review

Showboats, city theatres

Prominent actors

Costumes and Make-up

First Theatre ______________

“On the road”

Minstrel shows, Melodramas, Vaudeville