Techniques for enhancing the use of a motion capture system are provided. A motion capture system tracks movement and audio inputs from a person in a physical space, and provides the inputs to an application, which displays a virtual space on a display. Bodily movements can be used to define traits of an avatar in the virtual space. The person can be directed to perform the movements by a coaching avatar, or visual or audio cues in the virtual space. The application can respond to the detected movements and voice commands or voice volume of the person to define avatar traits and initiate pre-scripted audio-visual events in the virtual space to provide an entertaining experience. A performance in the virtual space can be captured and played back with automatic modifications, such as alterations to the avatar's voice or appearance, or modifications made by another person.