Minstrel shows were a form of entertainment popular in the United States during the 19th and early 20th centuries. They typically featured white performers in blackface, who would sing, dance, and perform comedic skits that caricatured African American culture. These shows often reinforced racial stereotypes and were a significant part of American theater history. The performances usually included a variety of acts, such as music, comedy, and dance, often organized into a three-part structure. Minstrel shows contributed to the development of other entertainment forms, including vaudeville and musical theater, but they are now recognized for their role in perpetuating racism and cultural appropriation.