Xixi Wang
Pronouns: She/her/they
Research Mentor(s): Vincent Longo
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Film, Television, and Media / LSA
Program:
Authors:
Session: Session 4: 1:40 pm – 2:30 pm
Poster: 68
Abstract
In the pre-1930s era, live stage performances and vaudeville were thriving in the United States, providing accessible entertainment to the middle class at affordable prices. However, there was a rapid decline in the number of live performances after this period, with various factors potentially contributing to this trend. While existing research primarily centers on the impacts of the Great Depression or the ascent of Hollywood, there’s a notable lack of attention paid to the diminishing presence of live stage acts. Recognizing the significance of minority actors in these performances, our team has been meticulously gathering newspaper articles from that era to delve into the reasons behind this decline. Moreover, we’re enriching our analysis by contributing to a database featuring show bills from Variety magazine during specific years. By examining the intersection of minority representation and audience studies within the context of the golden age of Hollywood, we aim to understand the extent to which factors like the Great Depression and the rise of motion pictures influenced the dwindling of live stage shows. This exploration promises not only to shed light on the dynamics of middle-class entertainment during this period but also to provide insights into the representation of minority performers in the cultural landscape of the time.
