Vaudeville tropes

Ventriloquism is the performance art of speaking or producing sounds so that the voice appears to come from a source other than the performer, most often a puppet or "dummy." Ventriloquists create the illusion of a separate character by manipulating the puppet and producing distinct voices, often for comedy, storytelling, or theatrical entertainment. The technique requires precise vocal control and minimal lip movement. Ventriloquism has historical roots in ancient cultures and theater, and it continues to be practiced in live performances, television, and media worldwide.

right|thumbnail|280px|This reproduction of a 1900 William H. West (entertainer)|William H. West [[minstrel show poster, originally published by the Strobridge Lithographing Company, shows the transformation from a person of European descent to a caricature of a dark-skinned person of African descent.]]

historic name given to a collection of musicians, publishers and songwriters in Manhattan, New York City

two comedians who perform together as a single act

a type of performance art