Stanford Engineering
21 March 2025
Michael Rau is a professor, theater director, and tech innovator in one. He says that today’s technologies – AI, gaming, interactive storytelling, and even email – are reshaping what performers can do on stage and how audiences experience those performances. The best of the stage has always been about reflecting life, and technology is part of how we live today. It belongs on the stage, as Rau tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast. Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your quest. You can send questions to thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu. Episode Reference Links: Stanford Profile: Michael RauConnect With Us: Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / FacebookChapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Russ Altman introduces guest Michael Rau, a professor of theatre and performance studies at Stanford University. (00:03:16) Why Theater Needs Technology How AI and digital media are reshaping live performance. (00:05:15) AI & Emerging Theater Tech AI scripts, machine learning, AR, and interactive storytelling. (00:07:28) Theater as Food How both classic and experimental theatre styles can coexist. (00:10:13) The Relationship Between Theater & Gaming Theatrical storytelling and its deep connection to gaming. (00:14:40) The Debate on Liveness Whether live actors are necessary to theatre performances. (00:20:2) Temping: A Play Without Actors Rau’s theatrical piece where the audience becomes the protagonist. (00:25:38) AI’s Role in Theater AI-generated visuals and scripts reshape storytelling and performance. (00:30:44) AI-Driven Improv AI-driven improv requires new skills, blending structure with spontaneity. (00:33:44) Should Audiences Know AI Is Involved? How transparency increases audience engagement and appreciation (00:35:30) Conclusion Connect With Us: Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon Connect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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