In the last few years improv has dramatically evolved. It is crazy to see how far it has come and it is scary that you can watch videos now and not be sure whether they are real or fake. I mean, I shouldn’t be interested in how a caramel or honey typing keyboard would sound or feel like but here we are – this is what AI has become.

However, whilst it AI is making a lot of people fearful for things such as jobs, how it is going to change the world etc. I thought I would use it. Over the whole of October, I am going to have conversations with AI. There are many different things that can be talked about when it comes to improv and I wanted to see what AI had to say. I am going to talk specifically to two different AI bots to see if they offer different things, ChatGPT and Codepilot. I am sure each AI ‘robot’ will speak differently so lets see what they have to say about this weeks topic.

Today’s Topic – Working In Collaboration

The last couple of weeks I have relied on talking to A about negative angles of improv and the modern world. Well today, I wanted to focus on something a bit more positive – how can we collaborate with AI to make it work with us and not against us.

Now, you already have some fantastic acts that are working with AI to create some great shows. This article is not to step on their toes, instead it is to look at the ever-evolving world of tech and how even those with simple knowledge of AI can use it to help develop their improv or use it as a tool.

As always, I am talking to two different AI systems – ChatGPT and Codepilot to get different perspectives.

The main thing that you can do with AI is use it in rehearsals. It can help create suggestions at the basic level but did you know that it can actually do so much more to help?

Codepilot states that there are parts of AI that can actually analyse the rehearsal and give feedback on the pacing of scenes to learn how to be more engaging. It can look at the patterns in your performance, look at the strengths and even suggest new ideas.

Another thing Copdepilot delves into is that it also helps collaborate with the creative development of improv behind the scenes. It has the capability to help create games for the style of improv you perform and can also help develop frameworks for your show so you can enhance your ‘collaborative storytelling’.

ChatGPT looks a different aspects of improv which collaboration can help in different situations.

The main point I found really interesting was all about solo improvisers. Sometimes you want to rehearse alone and it can be difficult or you don’t have the capabilities. Well, according to ChatGPT, this is when AI can come in. It can become a real-time scene partner. It can respond to improvisers as a chat box or you can even use generated AI voices. Sometimes you cannot practise and you need to have someone to be there but they are not able to do improv anywhere in a week. Having this option means that you can have more rehearsals and not have to rely on others.

ChatGPT also goes on to state that AI can be used collaboratively on stage – it can used for anything from enhancing your performance with music / visuals to using it as a ‘wild card improviser’. I think the best suggestion that is mentioned in this category id that you can use it to create subtitles or translations – this makes your show more accessible and inclusive for more people.

Whilst I have delved into all the pros of how you can use AI, it is also good to read that AI respects the boundaries of human performance:

“AI shouldn’t replace performers but enhance them…”

ChatGPT

It goes on to discuss that if you are going to use AI in a show be transparent with the audience make them aware otherwise they may feel cheated or lied to. Also, AI is still developing, meaning it is unpredictable, it could still create an unsafe environment and this is something you have to be aware of it you decide to heavily use AI.

Thank you again for all your support in reading and engaging with the website.

If you want to help support the website then you can! You can buy Holly a cup of tea (and a biscuit!)