By Christina Ordonez, ITA Secretary

One of the biggest misconceptions about AI is that strong results come from asking short questions.

In reality, AI tools work best when users provide clear direction and context, much like giving notes in rehearsal or communicating a production vision to a cast and crew.

One helpful framework is the C-G-P-T method:

• Context → What background information does the AI need?

• Goal → What outcome are you trying to achieve?

• Persona → What role should the AI take on?

• Task → What specifically should it do?

The more specific the prompt, the more useful the response tends to be.

Below are examples theatre professionals and educators could use immediately.

1. Parent Communication

Weak Prompt:

“Write a parent email about rehearsal.”

Strong CGPT Prompt:

Context: I direct a high school production of Addams Family. Many families are balancing multiple extracurricular schedules.

Goal: Create a clear and supportive reminder email about upcoming tech week expectations.

Persona: Act as an organized and encouraging high school theatre director.

Task: Write a parent email explaining tech week rehearsal times, reminding students to bring water and homework, and thanking families for their support. Keep the tone warm, professional, and easy to translate. 

2. Rehearsal Planning

Weak Prompt:

“Give me rehearsal ideas.”

Strong CGPT Prompt:

Context: I am directing A Midsummer Night’s Dream with mostly first-time high school actors.

Goal: Help students better understand physical comedy and ensemble work.

Persona: Act as an experienced theatre educator specializing in beginner actors.

Task: Create five 10-minute rehearsal warmups or activities that help students build ensemble trust and physical storytelling skills.

3. Dramaturgy and Script Research

Weak Prompt:

“Tell me about the 1890s.”

Strong CGPT Prompt:

Context: Students are performing Newsies and need historical background knowledge about labor conditions and child workers in New York City.

Goal: Help students connect emotionally and intellectually to the script’s themes.

Persona: Act as a theatre dramaturg working with teenagers.

Task: Create a one-page student-friendly summary explaining the Newsboys Strike of 1899, including key historical facts, important vocabulary, and discussion questions.

4. Accessibility Support

Weak Prompt:

“Make this easier.”

Strong CGPT Prompt:

Context: I teach high school theatre students, including multilingual learners and students with reading support needs.

Goal: Increase comprehension of Shakespearean language before rehearsal.

Persona: Act as a theatre educator experienced in scaffolding complex texts.

Task: Rewrite this scene summary from Romeo and Juliet using simpler language while preserving the important plot points and emotional tone.

5. Technical Theatre Support

Weak Prompt:

“Make a checklist.”

Strong CGPT Prompt:

Context: Our theatre department is preparing for opening night of a musical.

Goal: Help crew members stay organized and independent.

Persona: Act as an experienced stage manager mentoring crew leaders.

Task: Create an opening night backstage checklist organized by categories including props, costumes, microphones, scenery, and safety checks.

6. Advocacy and Publicity

Weak Prompt:

“Write a social media post.”

Strong CGPT Prompt:

Context: Our theatre department is promoting an upcoming student-directed one-act festival.

Goal: Increase attendance and celebrate student leadership.

Persona: Act as a creative arts marketing specialist.

Task: Write three short social media posts promoting the festival for Instagram and Facebook. Include an energetic tone appropriate for families and students. Students will include their own artwork for the images.

Final Thought

AI tools are most productive when users think like directors: provide context, communicate vision clearly, define roles, and give actionable direction.

Good prompts do not replace human creativity; they help support it.