Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, there was a time in history when an entirely new style of entertainment swept the nation. It changed the very way Americans performed in theaters, while illustrating the creativity of people eager to entertain. The development of vaudeville theater had a significant impact on America by providing people of all ages with a new source of entertainment, a new type of musical/theatrical experience, and symbolized the cultural diversity of early 20th century America. There was really no need for vaudeville theater, but it was still beneficial to Americans in many ways. For performers, also known as vaudevillians, it was a way to express their creativity and talent with the rest of America. They would travel just about anywhere and everywhere to entertain others, from small towns to the big cities of New York. Not only that, but it was how vaudevillians made a living. It was their way of life, and the things they did would have a big impact not only on their success, but also on their profits. Furthermore, for the average American, it was a very new and interesting form of entertainment. As vaudeville developed over time, the performers and audiences became much more diverse. In 1881, a man named Tony Pastor created a form of vaudeville that allowed families, including women and children, to enjoy the wide variety of performances. Low ticket prices also helped define vaudeville's audience. Tickets usually cost between $1 and $75, compared to seats for a Broadway hit that cost up to $2. There was no doubt that the life of a vaudevillian was often strenuous. In John Kenrick's A History of the Musical Vaudeville, he says: “Appearing in vaudeville was no vacation. A successful show toured for forty or more weeks a year, doing "one night", split weeks, or weekly stands depending on the size of the theater. There was always a constant demand for new acts and shows. People put up with demanding schedules, because even those with less experience or skill could still earn a decent living. For example, in 1919, the average factory worker could earn $1,300 a year. A small artist could earn up to $3,150 in the same year, doing something he enjoyed. Any artist with determination, devotion and passion could build a proper life. Over time, vaudeville theater has provided people of all ages with a source of entertainment.