About GII Symposium 2026
The GII Symposium 2026 will take place in Portland, Oregon, U.S.A., and will be hosted by Portland State University’s School of Music & Theater. It will continue and deepen the explorations begun at the first 3 symposiums (2017 at the University of California at Irvine and Chapman University, Orange County, California; 2019 at Middlesex University, London; and online in 2021) with a specific focus on the central theme Activate the Possible.
Inspired by William Ury, co-founder of Harvard’s Program on Negotiation and coauthor of Getting to Yes, our theme this year draws from Ury's recent book, Possible, which frames “possible” as a mindset rooted in gradual transformation and "creating little breakthroughs that can build into bigger breakthroughs over time."
This perspective aligns closely with theatrical improvisation. A good improviser is a possibilist: someone who finds and acts on opportunities for change in the present. Someone who sees obstacles as openings for creative, collaborative solutions, and practices humble audacity, that is, self-awareness, openness to new ideas, and the courage to act decisively when called upon. Someone who believes transformation - of a scene, relationship, idea, or worldview - is essential to the journey.
In this moment of global uncertainty, transformation requires more than resolution. It demands building bridges across differences. Portland, affectionately known as Bridge City, offers a fitting setting for our 2026 gathering.
Join us for 4 days of programming* (workshops, performances, panels, roundtables, plenaries, and more!) exploring theatrical improvisation and its power to activate new possibilities!
