 Surprisingly , actors on stage did not have a wholesale monopoly on theatrical entertainment , as even vendors and peddlers in the street , singing lewd songs and beating on whatever they could find to compensate for percussion instruments , could draw crowds . This practice was so widespread that West claims " the city itself was turned into a stage and the citizens into the essential audience . " Many of the songs played for stage performances were tunes that originated from vendors ' and peddlers ' songs . Contests were held on New Year 's Day to determine which vendor or peddler had the best chants and songs while selling wares ; the winners were brought before the imperial court to perform . The Wulin jiushi of the Southern Song states that these vendors , when presented to the consorts and concubines of the palace , were lavished with heaps of gold and pearls for their wares ; some vendors would " become rich in a single evening . " Theatrical stunts were also performed to gain attention , such as fried @-@ glutinous @-@ rice @-@ ball vendors hanging small red lamps on portable bamboo racks who would twirl them around to the beat of a drum to dazzle crowds . Puppet shows in the streets and wards were also popular . 
