Theatrical Language Processing: Exploring AI-Augmented Improvisational Acting and Scriptwriting with LLMs

The increasing convergence of artificial intelligence has opened new avenues, including its emerging role in enhancing creativity. It is reshaping traditional creative practices such as actor improvisation, which often struggles with predictable patterns, limited interaction, and a lack of engaging stimuli. In this paper, we introduce a new concept, Theatrical Language Processing (TLP), and an AI-driven creativity support tool, Scribble$.$ai, designed to augment actors' creative expression and spontaneity through interactive practice. We conducted a user study involving tests and interviews with fourteen participants. Our findings indicate that: (1) Actors expanded their creativity when faced with AI-produced irregular scenarios; (2) The AI's unpredictability heightened their problem-solving skills, specifically in interpreting unfamiliar situations; (3) However, AI often generated excessively detailed scripts, which limited interpretive freedom and hindered subtext exploration. Based on these findings, we discuss the new potential in enhancing creative expressions in film and theater studies through an AI-driven tool.