Chapter
The Economics of Vaudeville
38:03 - 46:47 (08:43)
Theaters made money by squeezing performers for profits, with some theaters attracting up to 35,000 patrons a week. The black Vaudeville circuit was a separate entity operated by black-owned theaters, and performers were paid less than those on the white circuit through the Theater Owners Booking Association (TOBA).
Clips
This episode discusses the transition from vaudeville to talkies with the success of Jewish actor, The Jazz Singer, in 1927.
38:03 - 41:30 (03:26)
Summary
This episode discusses the transition from vaudeville to talkies with the success of Jewish actor, The Jazz Singer, in 1927. Additionally, the host shares their experience discovering a secret community living off the grid.
ChapterThe Economics of Vaudeville
EpisodeVaudeville: Step Right Up!
PodcastStuff You Should Know
Vaudeville theaters made money by having good performers that they paid just enough to get to the next show, and with a successful bill, they could pull in up to 35,000 people in a week, making more money than legitimate theater houses.
41:30 - 46:47 (05:17)
Summary
Vaudeville theaters made money by having good performers that they paid just enough to get to the next show, and with a successful bill, they could pull in up to 35,000 people in a week, making more money than legitimate theater houses. There was also a black Vaudeville circuit called TOBA that paid performers less than the white Vaudeville circuit.