Why Virtual Reality is Basically Improv

Image: Samsung

Listening to Jamie Pallot, co-founder of Emblematic Group, at the Games and Media Summit this week it really hit me: 

Virtual Reality is Improv.

Pallot spoke about VR and how it's changing the face of storytelling, such as immersive journalism and and documentaries. He said the three unique effects of virtual reality are: presence, greater empathy, and spatial narrative. 

Presence: Improv is an artform where we must always be present. We do warm-up exercises to stretch our presencing muscles to get us out of our heads and into our bodies. We have to be aware of what is happening at all times around us.

Empathy: Once we're fully present we can actively listen and engage with our co-created reality. When we are open to listen we allow ourselves to understand and be moved by another's point of view. 

Spatial Narrative: (This is where the action takes place.) Improvisers don't use any props to tell their story. They make up their environment by miming objects and actions, and once someone creates something it is real for everyone. If a player sits down at a table in the middle of the stage then there is now a table in the middle of the stage. We must walk around it or bump into it.  

While virtual reality is dependent upon a headset, an improviser only needs her head and someone else to play with. By being present we create empathetic stories told through a spatial narrative.

I've cried, I've laughed, I've felt disgusted, and I've been inspired while watching improv shows. Imagine how you could feel about a story experienced through virtual reality? 

When tech is harnessed for good instead of evil it can change the world and - like improv - can change the way you participate in the world. 

Please cast me in the first improvised VR show. I'm ready!

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