GII Symposium 2026: Full Schedule

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11:00am PDT

Epic Disney: A Brechtian Approach to Improvisation

Thursday July 9, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm PDT

Using elements of Brecht and Disney animated films as a launchpad, this interactive workshop will demonstrate and then break down the elements of how to tell the untold stories of a world where only 1% hold the magic. The Improvacateurs explore both dramatic and comedic theater to highlight our changing society. The Improvacateurs are Donna Arasin, Samson Caruth, Michele Guthrie, Samm Hill and Myra Lavenue.

Artists

The Improvacateurs

The Improvacateurs explore both dramatic and comedic theater to highlight our changing society. The Improvacateurs are Donna Arasin, Samson Caruth, Michele Guthrie, Samm Hill and Myra Lavenue.

Thursday July 9, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm PDT
115 Studio Theater

Performance, Demo

2:00pm PDT

Making DAME: Exploring Under-represented Aspects of Female Identity through Improvisation and Community Connection

Thursday July 9, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm PDT

115 Studio Theater

An interactive, educational, and playful roundtable discussion on methods of creating opportunities and safe spaces for discourse and exploration on the complexities of female experiences.

Elegant improv, comfortable shoes.
DAME is a Portland-based collective of seasoned femme improvisers. Their fun and grounded style explores identity and questions expectations through connected, relationship-driven scene work and storytelling. Their current project, Menoprov, blends improv with health education to demystify the menopausal transition.

Artists

DAME

Elegant improv, comfortable shoes.
DAME is a Portland-based collective of seasoned femme improvisers. Their fun and grounded style explores identity and questions expectations through connected, relationship-driven scene work and storytelling. Their current project, Menoprov... Read More →

Thursday July 9, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm PDT
115 Studio Theater

Performance, Demo | Panel, Demo

7:00pm PDT

Love, Shakespeare

Thursday July 9, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT

55 Boiler Room

Witness the magic of unscripted Shakespeare, as a troupe of traveling players performs one of the Bard's “forgotten” comedies. Love, Shakespeare troupe members: Rose Bonomo, Rachel Rosenthal, Andy Perkins, Peri Ahmadi, Jake Hull, Tyler Quinn, Kristen Schier

Artists

Love, Shakespeare

Step into the offbeat world of Love, Shakespeare, where seasoned comedians attempt something audacious: a fully improvised Elizabethan play based on your suggestions! Follow a merry band of players, former buddies of the great Will himself, as they unravel one of the Bard's “unfinished” gems. Each show is an unpredictable tribute... Read More →

Thursday July 9, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
55 Boiler Room

Performance

7:00pm PDT

Mosaic Complex and Oprah's Book Club

Thursday July 9, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT

115 Studio Theater

Performances by two of Portland's premiere BIPOC improv teams, seen regularly at Kickstand Comedy!

Artists

Mosaic Complex

Every neighbor has a story. Come take a peak inside the Mosaic Complex, a comedy show that explores the many lives that enrich a completely improvised apartment building. Every show we visit a new apartment—all based on your stories! If you enjoy eavesdropping on characters from... Read More →

Oprah's Book Club

What’s your favorite book? Oprah's Book Club, a favorite at Kickstand, features three bold, hilarious Black women with undeniable chemistry. Their shared perspective shapes the tone, blending sharp wit with real-life insight. Every show is playful, smart, and full of surprises.
... Read More →

Thursday July 9, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
115 Studio Theater

Performance

8:15pm PDT

Worlds Collide: FreeStyle Love Supreme meets American Immigrants

Thursday July 9, 2026 8:15pm - 9:15pm PDT

75 Recital Hall

A musical, improvised show containing elements from Freestyle Love Supreme, and Anthony’s American Immigrants.

FEATURING:

Anthony Veneziale
Vivek Venugopal
Emily Larkin
Patrick Short
Rachel Rosenthal
Ian Lootens (Beatboxer)
Alexandra Washington (aka, A’ Revolution)

Artists

Anthony Veneziale

Anthony Veneziale also known as Two Touch, is the conceiver and co-creator of the acclaimed Freestyle Love Supreme.Anthony has been performing and teaching applied improvisation for more than 25 years and is a leader in the field of musical improvisation. He is the co-founder of the applied improvisation company , a Tony Award winner, a Grammy nominated Broadway & TV star and designer of a UCSF... Read More →

Thursday July 9, 2026 8:15pm - 9:15pm PDT
75 Recital Hall

Performance

9:30pm PDT

Keith Johnstone’s Maestro Impro™

Thursday July 9, 2026 9:30pm - 11:00pm PDT

75 Recital Hall

16 Improvisors compete in scenes and games to crown a Maestro!

Thursday July 9, 2026 9:30pm - 11:00pm PDT
75 Recital Hall

Performance

GII Symposium 2026

11:00am PDT

The Improvacateurs

2:00pm PDT

DAME

7:00pm PDT

Love, Shakespeare

7:00pm PDT

Mosaic Complex

Oprah's Book Club

8:15pm PDT

Anthony Veneziale

9:30pm PDT

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