AI for interactive performance: Challenges and techniques

AI techniques and systems are pervasive to the media and entertainment industry, with application ranging from chatbots and characters to games and virtual environments. A common feature characterising these applications is given by the intent to introduce a narrative element in the user experience, often conveyed through some type of performance. In this paper, we analyse the contribution of AI techniques in the design and realization of a dramatic performance, an interactive system participated by human performers and audiences through some type of enactment. Drawing on real applications developed for innovative performances, we propose an architectural model that forms the technical platform of the system, and discuss how it can be deployed using Artificial Intelligence techniques with reference to real, experimental applications created in the last two decades.