Why Automation Is Not A Threat To Careers In Performing Arts

Imagine you buy tickets for a dance performance for Krishna Leela, and instead of Hema Malini and other performers, you have given a theatrical performance by robots. For once it may surprise you, you may even enjoy it a bit, but later you will miss the beauty, elegance, and expression of a human dancer.

Similarly, on an outing with friends or colleagues you visit a comedy club, a robot may give you the required entertainment but may fall short in interacting with the audience. It may not be able to pick up cues from the audience which make the entire experience more fun and enjoyable. A machine with pre-recorded jokes and responses will lack finer nuances and won’t keep you hooked for long.

Art forms such as these are called performing arts. Though the efforts of AI cannot be discredited when it helps choreographers with unique dance moves, musicians with making base melodies and more. Though AI is an aid in performing art, it cannot be a substitute for ‘human’ artists. Careers360 has listed six performing arts that Artificial Intelligence (AI) or automation can never replace.

Acting

Can you imagine a robot giving a performance like Ranveer Singh, or sing like Arijit Singh? Can they deliver a dialogue powered on emotions such as joy, pain, and love, like Shahrukh Khan or Aamir Khan? These are the actors who have a huge fan following and are still known for the love they have poured into their work since their debuts. No robot or AI-generated model can match their charm and the magic they emote on screens.

Deep comprehension of human experiences, personal interpretation, and the ability to communicate subtle variations in a way that resonates with the audience are often needed in this profession in order to deliver a character demanding phenomenal emotional depth.

Although AI and technology have the potential to revolutionise filmmaking and offer new opportunities, acting is completely based on human creativity, emotional intelligence, adaptability, and the ability to interact with fellow coworkers and the audience.

Magic

Yes, AI is becoming more intelligent day by day. But, however intelligent it seems to be, can it replace the wit and response of a human? A magician is not only known for his tricks but for the overall experience he creates for his audience. Magicians make their act impactful by adding an entertaining quotient to their stage presence.

They also add the technique of storytelling, audience interaction, and intuitions in their performance, which is difficult for an AI to replicate. AI runs on codes and prompts and magicians work on human psychology to keep the audience intrigued. The logic-based interface of AI can’t captivate the same level of fascination of its audience. AI can be the catalyst in a magic trick, but humans will always prefer a human performing a human taking out a rabbit from a hat, than a machine.

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Stand-up Comedy

AI may think faster than humans can, so it can deliver jokes quicker. But, AI lacks spontaneity. AI cracks jokes that are based on analysis of what people find funny and what they don’t. Comedy on the other hand is something which is funnier when it is spontaneous. Comedians excel in improvisation in unexpected situations, this ability as of now is unique to humans. It can be replicated by an AI only after a prompt is given.

Similarly, comedy sketches are inspired by the performer’s personal emotions and experiences which an AI will never have. Humans know humans better than an AI, so it's easier for a human performer to crack a joke which connects with the audience. Even though AI can make better jokes, it will never be able to crack them as humorously as humans will. Maybe it will take some time for tech to pick up on human cues and bring up something that is spontaneous and relevant to that particular audience and time.

Music

In a world where technology is advancing at an astonishing pace, the realm of music remains steadfast in its commitment to authentic human expression. Music is not just a series of notes; it's a powerful language that transcends barriers, communicates emotions, and connects us as humans. Let’s see why the field of music is immune to automation.

One of the primary reasons why music cannot be fully automated is the emotional connection it creates. Music has the power to evoke feelings of joy, love, nostalgia, sadness, empathy and many more and it also draws inspiration from these emotions. These emotions, whether through the modulations of a singer's voice or the delicate strokes on a musical instrument, are difficult to create through automation.

Secondly, music encompasses an intricate blend of melody, harmony, rhythm, and dynamics. The interplay of these elements is often guided by an artist's imaginations and emotions. This complexity of expression cannot be fully replicated by machines, as it involves a deep understanding of musical theory, cultural nuances, and personal experiences.

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Dancing

Yes a dancing robot exists, but AI can never truly replace the essence of dance professions. The art of dancing is more than just physical expression; it is a symphony of feelings, cultures, histories, and interpersonal relationships. The beauty of dance relies on the human experience itself, as we go deeper into this exploration and peel off the layers of dance, we can uncover the elements that AI will never be able to imitate. Elements such as emotional engagement, interpretation of music, and split-second changes in expressions are some of them. Where human dancers are able to draw on their own emotional histories, giving their performances depth and meaning, AI lacks the emotional intelligence and personal experiences to replicate this level of emotional expression. Dancers frequently have to adjust their performances in real time to the particular context, music, or other dancers offers. The spontaneity and adaptability of human dancers would be difficult for AI to imitate because of its reliance on predefined algorithms and patterns.

Stage Direction

Within the world of performing arts, stage direction stands as a pivotal element that shapes the entire theatrical production. Let’s understand why stage direction defies complete automation.

Stage direction involves the meticulous arrangement of actors, props, lighting, and sound etc. to convey a story's emotional depth and nuances. It requires a director's keen eye and emotional intelligence to capture the essence of a scene and guide performers toward authentic portrayal. This level of interpretation, rooted in human understanding, is hard to replicate through automation alone. A director's unique perspective and artistic sensibility play a vital role in crafting an emotional impact on the stage. The connection between director, actors, and audience is a testament to the irreplaceable human touch that elevates the world of performing arts to new heights of emotional and artistic expression. The human interaction, exchange of ideas, and shared passion for storytelling create an alchemy that cannot be replicated through automation.

AI As An Aid

AI is definitely here to stay. Every profession may notice a change in its trajectory because of its inclusion. But, AI will never be an alternative to human skills. Humans have made AI to do mundane tasks, it is here to help, not replace us.

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