According to George A. Gottlieb, booker for the Palace Theatre, the vaudeville nine-act was:
1. Dumb Act: designed not be spoiled by late arrivals.
2. Vaudeville Act: Designed to “settle” down the audience.
3. Comedy-Drama Sketch: Designed to wake up the audience.
4. “Name” Act: Rouse the audience to expect still better things.