Unit 1 · Chapter 4 · 11 min
Vaudeville: The Original Open Mic, But With More Tuberculosis
Minstrel shows, vaudeville circuits, Borscht Belt, and the birth of the setup-punchline machine.
In the late 1800s, America built a national circuit of theaters where a performer could do the same seven minutes in ninety cities. This did two things. It made comedy a job, and it made material a possession. Before vaudeville, jokes were folklore. After vaudeville, jokes were inventory, and people stole inventory constantly, which is why comics have been paranoid ever since.
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“Vaudeville: The Original Open Mic, But With More Tuberculosis” is inside the course.
The first two lessons are free because history should be. The rest — six units, beginner to professor, plus the Gym, the Film Room, the LOL Engine and your Comedy DNA course — opens to members. Membership is invite only right now, with pricing TBD. Request an invitation to hear when a spot is available.
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