Objective
Guide trainers in teaching performers how to integrate AI live during performances, visually and interactively, using real-time prompting tools and visual generation models.
- Preparation (approx. 10 minutes)
- Objective: Set up the technical environment and prepare for an interactive session.
- Steps:
- Choose a real-time generative AI tool (e.g., GPT-4 with voice interface, Runway ML, TouchDesigner with AI plugins, etc.).
- Prepare a simple performance scenario where live AI prompting will be used.
- Test AI tools with your chosen projection or screen setup for visual output.
Checklist:
- AI tools/accounts ready and logged in
- Internet connection stable
- Visual projection system tested
- Microphone/audio input tested (for voice prompting, if used)
- Backup prompts or assets ready
- Introduction to AI in Live Performance (approx. 10 minutes)
- Objective: Familiarize participants with the role of AI in enhancing live performance through live interaction and visuals.
- Steps:
- Showcase 2–3 short examples of performances using live AI (e.g., text-to-image in real time, AI dialogue generation, audience interaction, real-time AI generated visuals, voice modulation, virtual characters).
- Explain basic mechanics: how a performer can interact with AI mid-performance via prompts or triggers.
- Clarify the creative potential and the unpredictability that AI brings.
- Inform artists of the ethical considerations of the use of AI: ambiguous creative ownership, potentially biased training data, privacy issues, transparency, consent, sustainability, etc.
Trainer Tip: Encourage creative exploration and collaboration with AI, while acknowledging potential concerns or limitations. Create space for mindful discussion without letting it turn into an extended ethical debate.
- Hands-On Practice (approx. 30 minutes)
- Objective: Allow participants to experience and test AI interaction in a live setting.
- Steps:
- Divide participants into small groups; assign each a setup (laptop, projector, microphone).
- Guide them to input live prompts during a mock performance scene (e.g., generate a visual on-the-fly based on an improvised line).
- Have participants try different AI options during different stages of the creative process. e.g. text-to-image generation on stage, dialogue generation, voice modulating AI, etc.)
- Experiment with voice prompting or gesture-triggered interactions if tools allow.
Trainer Tip: Encourage improvisation and observe how the AI changes the flow of the scene. Highlight adaptability.
- Creative Challenges & Alternate Scenarios (approx. 15 minutes)
- Objective: Deepen understanding through variation and troubleshooting.
- Steps:
- Assign creative limitations: e.g., only one-word prompts, audience-suggested prompts, thematic prompts. etc.
- Simulate technical failure and discuss backup strategies (e.g., pre-generated AI responses, fallback media).
- Explore alternative tools and workflows depending on budget and tech skills.
- Wrap-Up and Feedback (approx. 10 minutes)
- Objective: Review key takeaways and gather participant input.
- Steps:
- Discuss how AI influenced creative choices during the practice.
- Reflect on how AI can be used in their own, individual creative work.
- Share links to tools, plugins, and examples for further exploration.
- Ask for feedback: What worked? What felt awkward or inspiring?
Post-Training Follow-Up
- Suggest creating a shared resource folder for ongoing experimentation.
- Recommend watching or analyzing live performances that feature AI as a co-creator.
Trainer Tip: Remind participants to be mindful of their use of AI and that AI doesn’t replace creativity, it challenges and expands it.