• Surviving AI

    A Variety Show About Our Future with Technology

  • Hosted by comedian Shane Mauss & author / professor Athena Aktipis

    Surviving AI is a variety show that blends humor with thoughtful exploration of how humans relate to artificial intelligence and how we might build a more cooperative technological future. The evening begins with a stand-up comedy set, moves into a salon-style conversation with experts on AI and cooperation, and culminates in a live improvisational “battle” between a human artist and an AI, responding to each other in real time. Throughout the show, an LED screen displays dynamic visuals generated through human–AI collaboration, created live by AI artist Michael Strauss, inviting the audience to reflect on creativity, agency, and collaboration in an age of intelligent machines.

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    Flagstaff, AZ

    December 30, 2025

    Beaver Street Theater Special guests: Joel Dietz, Julie Sullivan Brace, Jeff Sharp. Featuring Argus, a live AI co-host built by Jeff Sharp.

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    Davos, WEF

    Janunary 22, 2026

    8:00-10:00pm

    The Exploration Train

    Private show

    Special Guest Baba Brinkman.

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    Los Angeles, CA

    January 31, 2026

    4:00-6:00pm

    Alternity Studio

    Private show

    Special Guests Joscha Bach, Rob Brooks, Baba Brinkman.

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    San Francisco, CA

    February 24, 2026

    Private show

    Special Guests David Casey, Baba Brinkman, Harmon Leon.

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    Phoenix, AZ

    April 19, 2026

    Valley Bar

    Free Event Sponsored by Viva Phoenix

    Special Guests Baba Brinkman, Harmon Leon, Thao Ha

    Tickets here

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    Chautauqua, NY

    July 9, 2026

    Athenaeum Hotel

    Live visuals by Michael Strauss, live music by Noah Eastman and Kearsen Erwin.

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    Tempe, AZ

    September 23, 2026

    Marston Exploration Theater

    Special Guests Paul Scherer, Kai Bickel. Live visuals by Michael Strauss, live music by John Kennedy, Bill Vernieu, and Beth Galiger.

    Tickets here

  • Surviving AI Trailer

  • Partners

    Surviving AI is produced by The Cooperative Futures Institute, Zombified Media, and AI Commons.