Objectively, how do you think the quality of performance of peforming artists compares to historic levels?

I’m guessing that at the turn of the 20th century that more people were spending more time in performance related activities than any other time – certainly in US history.

Today, people spend more time in passive pursuits and gaming. And people often are able to become celebrities without going through training. I’m not saying that such performers can’t have great heart, and a great stage crew, but they don’t have the craft of someone who has studied theater, music or dance.

I suspect a precocious child who in previous times might have found a career in dance will be more likely to be directed toward sports.

On the other hand, every performer gets to see and learn from every great performer, albeit not necessarily in person. Great natural performers are probably more likely to get their chance due to the invention of the video audition. They get to go where training is the best. And actors certainly get to see more performances on television than would have been possible for someone a century ago.

Anyway, what do you think, are the performers of today better than those of history, or do you have another era where you think performers probably shone brightest?