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Writing for Vaudeville   By:

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In "Writing for Vaudeville" by Brett Page, aspiring writers will find a comprehensive and insightful guide to creating comedy material specifically geared towards the unique world of vaudeville. Page's expertise in the subject matter shines through as he skillfully navigates readers through the intricacies of this beloved and distinct performance style.

One of the book's greatest strengths is its focus on practical advice. Page wastes no time in delving into the various elements that make vaudeville comedy successful, offering invaluable tips on writing jokes, creating engaging characters, and structuring acts. What sets this book apart is the author's ability to simplify complex concepts, making them accessible for newcomers while still catering to more experienced writers looking to sharpen their skills. Page's insightful breakdowns of famous vaudeville acts provide readers with real-life examples of what works and what doesn't, offering inspiration and guidance for honing their own humor.

Moreover, Page's deep affection for vaudeville permeates the book, making it an enjoyable read for anyone interested in the history and evolution of this art form. Through captivating anecdotes and lively descriptions, the author immerses readers in the world of vaudeville, conjuring visions of packed theaters, boisterous laughter, and the enchantment of live performance. This personal touch adds a layer of authenticity to the content, encouraging readers to embrace the spirit of vaudeville and infuse their work with the same vibrancy.

In terms of structure, "Writing for Vaudeville" is logically organized, allowing readers to navigate between sections with ease. The inclusion of exercises and "Try it!" prompts throughout the book ensures that readers can put their newfound knowledge into practice immediately. While some may find certain sections overly repetitive, this repetition ultimately serves as reinforcement, ensuring that key ideas are internalized and remembered.

One area where the book falls short, however, is its somewhat narrow focus on vaudeville. While vaudeville holds a unique place in entertainment history, the techniques explored can also be applied to other comedy realms. Perhaps a more comprehensive approach that delves into related forms, such as stand-up comedy or improvisation, could have made the book even more valuable to a wider range of comedy writers. Nevertheless, the specificity of the subject matter does lend the book an air of niche expertise, making it an essential read for anyone specifically interested in writing for vaudeville.

Overall, "Writing for Vaudeville" is an informative and engaging resource for aspiring comedy writers seeking to venture into the world of vaudeville. Brett Page's extensive knowledge and passion for the subject shine through in this well-structured and practical guide. By combining historical context, insightful analysis, and helpful exercises, Page offers readers a comprehensive toolkit to master the art of vaudeville comedy. While its narrow focus may limit its audience slightly, those with an interest in vaudeville or a love for comedy writing in general will find this book to be an invaluable resource.

First Page:

This etext was produced by Steve Bonner.

WRITING FOR VAUDEVILLE

WITH NINE COMPLETE EXAMPLES OF VARIOUS VAUDEVILLE FORMS BY RICHARD HARDING DAVIS, AARON HOFFMAN, EDGAR ALLAN WOOLF, TAYLOR GRANVILLE, LOUIS WESLYN, ARTHUR DENVIR, AND JAMES MADISON

BY BRETT PAGE

AUTHOR OF "CLOSE HARMONY," "CAMPING DAYS," "MEMORIES," ETC.

DRAMATIC EDITOR, NEWSPAPER FEATURE SERVICE, NEW YORK

THE WRITER'S LIBRARY EDITED BY J. BERG ESENWEIN

FOREWORD

Can you be taught how to write for vaudeville? If you have the native gift, what experienced writers say about its problems, what they themselves have accomplished, and the means by which it has been wrought, will be of help to you. So much this book offers, and more I would not claim for it.

Although this volume is the first treatise on the subject of which I know, it is less an original offering than a compilation. Growing out of a series of articles written in collaboration with Mr. William C. Lengel for The Green Book Magazine, the subject assumed such bigness in my eyes that when I began the writing of this book, I spent months harvesting the knowledge of others to add to my own experience. With the warm heartedness for which vaudevillians are famous, nearly everyone whose aid I asked lent assistance gladly. "It is vaudeville's first book," said more than one, deprecating the value of his own suggestions, "and we want it right in each slightest particular... Continue reading book >>




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