I used to be active doing theater, films and commercials when I still lived in Metro Manila. Also when I was a teenager, I got involved in the protest movement against former Filipino dictator Ferdinand Marcos. (https://newsinfo.inquirer.
net/874034/radyo-bandido-days-recalled)

Why does AI speak to you?

Funny how when we say AI these days to most people, Artificial Intelligence comes up and not Applied Improvisation. It’s also fortunate though because the power of our version of AI comes more into focus when juxtaposed with the emergence of the other AI. While machines and computers can learn and predict and generate through their algorithms, Applied Improvisation brings out the unpredictable, surprising, delightful sparks of casual genius that can result in authentic connection, spontaneity and joy that only imperfect humans can create.

What are some of your favorite themes to explore through AI?

Aside from the usual corporate-friendly applications in presentation skills, communicating effectively and working with a team, I have used Applied Improvisation for disaster readiness in my work with Mary Tyskiewicz and Heroic Improv, as well as my work with Applied Improvisation in Ignatian Spirituality. I am currently using Applied Improvisation in my work in Vivita – a creativity accelerator for youth.

What about AI has surprised you? 

The biggest surprise that Applied Improvisation has given me is the global network of friends and colleagues that I have discovered through our network of practitioners. The ability to be on the same page and see eye to eye and work on long term projects with applied improvisers across different generations, cultures, ethnicities and backgrounds has been delightful.

“It’s important that we look for stories - not philosophical ramblings, or word definitions or anything fancy or deep. Just tell us who or what the word reminds you of in a minute.”

What is one AI activity that you do/lead/share?

We discovered this exercise through our sessions in SPIT (Silly People’s Improv Theater) and Third World Improv. It’s called Tell That Story. It starts as a simple word association circle. After a steady flowing rhythm of word association is established, we introduce the wrinkle that at any given time a person can call out “tell that story!” when a word, a facial expression or anything at all intrigues them. The person who is called out then has a minute to tell a true story, which doesn’t have to be dramatic or funny or anything at all that the word inspires in them. It’s important that we look for stories – not philosophical ramblings, or word definitions or anything fancy or deep. Just tell us who or what the word reminds you of in a minute.

Using the profound silliness that AI makes possible is very useful in doing innovation and creativity work among the youth I work with in Vivita. I learned an exercise long ago called Dumbest Idea First where participants are presented with a problem but, instead of challenging them to come up with the best solution, the facilitator asks them to compete with each other to come up with the 5 dumbest ideas. This results in a fun, energy filled process with some of the ideas accidentally turning out some useful insights or solutions and with the teams being more willing to cooperate with each other. Using this exercise as a prelude to guiding my young participants through design thinking allows them to inject improvisational fun and serendipitous genius into the entire process.

With the help of AI what do you think is possible? 

Applied Improvisation that is focused on igniting the human spark and fanning the flames of creativity is the key to harnessing the power of artificial intelligence, the other AI.

About the Author: Ilene Bergelson

Ilene Bergelson is a presenter, educator and executive coach inspired by the principles of Applied Improvisation. Through her company, EmpowerSpeakTM, she draws on best practices from AI, as well as her long career in the performing arts and coaching. Ilene has written numerous articles, created the audio series, Light Bytes: The Communication Collection and contributed to professional development books on career, presence and mindfulness themes.

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(Last Updated: Friday, January 23rd, 2026)