Channel RVA to Produce AI Game Show Podcast Now Seeking Contestant Applicants

By Billy Briefman · March 20, 2026 · 4 min read read

Category: Arts & Culture

Channel RVA seeks contestants for new AI improv game showChannel RVA opened a call for contestant applications this week for a new podcast pairing human improvisers with synthetic voices in a compe...

Channel RVA seeks contestants for new AI improv game show

Channel RVA opened a call for contestant applications this week for a new podcast pairing human improvisers with synthetic voices in a competitive drafting format.

The upcoming production challenges participants to select and "draft" specific AI voices to engage in unscripted conversations based on a single prompt. Producers completed initial game development and testing this month, and they now seek local personalities to fill the roster for a four-episode debut season. Each episode will feature a winner determined by audience members, who will cast votes asynchronously for a set period following each release. These winners will eventually face off in a season finale to determine the overall champion.

Merging technology with Richmond comedy

The show arrives as the Richmond comedy scene continues to expand through venues like the Coalition Theater and CSz Richmond Theater. While traditional improv relies on the immediate chemistry between human performers, this format introduces a technical barrier that requires contestants to anticipate how a synthetic voice will interpret a prompt. According to Channel RVA producers, the mechanics of the "AI voice draft" force contestants to think strategically about the tone and personality of the digital tools they choose.

The production team plans to release preview clips in the near future to demonstrate how the AI voices interact with human prompts. This project marks a shift from standard podcasting toward a more interactive, game-based model. By allowing the audience to vote on the outcomes after the recording ends, the show moves away from the static nature of traditional audio media.

“We want to see how RVA’s creative community handles the unpredictability of these tools,” a Channel RVA production spokesperson said.

The spokesperson also confirmed that the show will utilize a structured drafting phase similar to fantasy sports, where contestants must compete for the most effective or humorous AI personalities before the improv round begins.

Application details and requirements

The call for contestants is open to Richmond residents with an interest in comedy, technology, or performance. Producers have not yet specified a final deadline for applications, but they encourage early submissions as they finalize the production schedule. While the show focuses on AI, contestants do not need technical backgrounds in machine learning or software development. Instead, the producers seek individuals who can maintain a narrative flow and react quickly to the often-erratic responses generated by synthetic speech engines.

According to the project’s technical brief, the recording process will likely involve a mix of remote and in-person sessions. The production team has not confirmed if the show will utilize West Broad Studios for the finale, though the facility remains a primary hub for the organization’s media projects. Prospective applicants should prepare to demonstrate their ability to pivot during a conversation, a skill frequently seen at local events like "Roll 4 The Improvised RPG Comedy" at the Coalition Theater.

Context and the local landscape

This initiative follows a broader trend of Richmond-based organizations experimenting with emerging technology. In neighborhoods like Scott's Addition, where businesses like The Veil Brewing Co. and Vasen Brewing Company often host tech-savvy professionals, the intersection of digital innovation and social entertainment has become a staple of the local culture. This podcast attempts to bridge that gap by turning artificial intelligence into a tool for community-driven entertainment.

The use of AI in creative spaces remains a topic of debate among artists and performers. By framing the technology as a partner in a game show rather than a replacement for human talent, Channel RVA aims to explore the limitations and quirks of synthetic voices. The asynchronous voting model also reflects a change in how Richmonders consume media, allowing listeners to participate in the show’s outcome on their own schedules rather than during a live broadcast.

As the project moves into the production phase, the organizers expect to announce a prize for the finale winner and a firm release date for the first episode. For now, the focus remains on finding a diverse group of contestants who can navigate the territory of human-computer improv. Interested individuals can find application information and updates on the project through the Channel RVA website.

Disclosure: Channel RVA is owned by Xponent21, the parent company of West Broad Studios.

Update: Filming is underway and a few cast slots are still open. Apply at channelrva.com/ai-game-show.