Question 1

What is Before the Footlights and Behind the Scenes about?

Accepted Answer

An 1870 insider account of the American variety and 'leg business' stage by a working actress — the earliest sustained description of the burlesque chorus and its labour conditions, and a direct ancestor of both the precision chorus and burlesque.

Question 2

Is Before the Footlights and Behind the Scenes free to read?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Before the Footlights and Behind the Scenes is public domain and can be read or downloaded in full.

Question 3

Who wrote Before the Footlights and Behind the Scenes?

Accepted Answer

Before the Footlights and Behind the Scenes was written by Olive Logan, published in 1870 by Parmelee & Co.. The author writes from inside the tradition it documents.

Before the Footlights and Behind the Scenes

Why this source matters

Documents these traditions