GII Symposium 2026

An exhibit of select prints of paintings and sketches by Keith Johnstone, curated by Theresa Robbins Dudeck, PhD, Johnstone's Literary Executor and Biographer.

More info here: https://www.pdx.edu/events/keith-johnstone-canvas-spontaneity

Special thanks to...
Dale Dudeck for his photos and for preparing and handling the art for this exhibit.
Gary Hirsch for his expertise and support with the exhibit installation.

Between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM, please stop by the GII26 Registration Table to check in, pick up your name badge and swag bag, and grab important information about upcoming GII events. While you are there, enjoy a sparkling soda and network with other GII attendees before the official opening gathering at 3:00 PM!

This workshop helps improvisers apply their stagecraft — collaboration, adaptability, and creative problem-solving — to real-world challenges and social change. Through games and conversation, participants explore their collective power and leave with tools to spark similar discussions in their own communities.

Improv Jam invites GII participants to step on stage for a spontaneous short-form improvisation experience. Directed live by Damilola Abdulai-Apotieri, performers will create scenes on the spot—no prior rehearsals, scripts, or preparation required. This energetic session demonstrates how improvisation fosters trust, creativity, and ensemble collaboration in real time. Audiences witness the power of collective spontaneity as diverse voices come together to co-create a unique performance that can only exist in that moment.

Start your GII experience with clarity, connection, and intention! In this pre-symposium orientation session, you'll have the opportunity to connect with other attendees, learn/review core improvisation principles, put them into practice through a few fun improv games, and explore mindfulness strategies to help you navigate the energy and excitement of the days ahead!

The final 30 minutes of this session will be dedicated to Q&A, with organizers available to answer questions, provide guidance, and help point you in the right direction as you begin your GII journey.

Join us in Lincoln Recital Hall for the GII Symposium 2026 Opening Gathering, featuring a welcome address by Dr. Leroy E. Bynum, Jr., Dean of PSU's College of the Arts. You'll also meet the GII 2026 team and receive an overview of the inspiring lineup of sessions, performances, and events that await throughout the symposium.

The gathering continues with the official launch of GII26 by Dr. Bonnie Miksch—composer, improviser, and Professor of Composition in PSU's School of Music & Theater—with Primal Singing with Gong. Using a bow to draw haunting, shimmering sounds from the gong, Bonnie enters into a surprising metallic soundscape, allowing her voice to emerge from a place of deep listening, discovery, abandon, and pure expression.

Following this opening performance, we'll take a leisurely six-minute walk together to Migration Brewing Co. Pacwest Patio for a pre-dinner drink and a toast to the beginning of GII 2026! 

Join us for a Pre-Dinner Toast at Migration Brewing Co. PacWest Patio location overlooking the city! 1 drink ticket per attendee, compliments of the GII. Beer, cider and non-alcoholic options. Only a 6-minute walk from Lincoln Hall and very close to many dining options. 

Enjoy a meal in the amazing city of Portland! 

Screenings of two new films: The Theatre Machine Reunion award-winning, documentary short & highlights from Keith Johnstone’s Master Class at GII 2017

The Oracle is a unique international live theater production that combines improvisation, devised theatre, music, and storytelling with characters and rituals based on the ancient Greek's Oracle of Delphi to comedically and dramatically explore questions the audience has about life and living in today's world. If you could ask one question to The Oracle, one that matters to you, what would it be?

The Oracle, created by international award-winning Chicago improviser Jonathan Pitts, has so far been performed in 11 cities and 8 countries. Each performance features a cast of international improv artists and musicians, and each production incorporates aspects of the culture of the city and country it's performed in.

Featuring
Priest: Jonathan Pitts
Oracle of Delphi: Angel Castillo Cueva, Betse Green, Brad Fortier, Cassie Funmaker, Sidney Palmer, Danger Swatosh, Kristen Schier, and Nick Condon
Musician: Patrick Short