Musicals 101
Musicals101.com: Musical Vaudeville and Burlesque
This site from Musicals101.com explains the emergence of vaudeville and burlesque from the middle class needs of industrialized America. Part II explains what makes up a vaudeville act.
Other
Vaudeville Memories
Wonderful site that offers all kinds of pictures and information about the performers, the theatres, the slang, and links to other sites.
Other
Blackboard @ Sfsu: Vaudeville in Ohio
Gives a great description of small town U.S.A. entertainment: traveling vaudeville shows.
Other
Unstrung History of American Guitar: The Guitar and the Birth of American Music
The guitar in America began as an instrument used in popular music in the city and then branched out to minstrel shows, ragtime, and even jazz. Read about the history of this ubiquitous instrument and how it took on its American character.
Library of Congress
Loc: America's Story: Vaudeville Comedians
Have a great time listening to and reading about old Vaudeville acts that included magic, juggling, comic routines, animals acts, and dance.
Curated OER
National Park Service: Reading 2: The Glen Echo Amusement Park
A history of Glen Echo Amusement Park in particular and trolley parks in general. Includes comprehension questions.
Vassar College
Vasser College: 1896: Popular Amusements
This 1896, A Website of Political Cartoons site lists concerts, lectures, travelling shows, opera houses, circuses, and more as popular amusements during the Gilded Age
Musicals 101
Cyber Encyclopedia of Musicals: The First Musical Comedies
Find out about Ned Harrigan and Tony Hart, a British musical duo, who brought musical comedies to the New York state.