The first annual OCIC (Spring 2001) centered on issues of Race in Improv and was, by all accounts, a great success. With the assistance of Jeff Wirth, Oui Be Negroes and Salsation! we laughed, worked, and discussed our way to a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by minority improvisers both on the stage and off. OCIC 2002 focused on issues of Sexuality and Gender in Improvisation, bringing in new college groups and growing from the previous year's success. Professionals Zumpf, Boy Girl Boy and Shaun Landry gave their perspectives on the ramifications of being a "Male Improviser," a "Female Improviser," a "Queer Improviser," or a "Straight Improviser." We explored how these identities act as labels, what effects they have in the limelight as well as backstage, and how relevant these questions remain in everyday improvisation.

This year the conference will focus two main themes. The first topic addresses experimentation in improv. The second will broaden our perspectives and explore the potential of improv as another way to express our concerns during political turmoil. Some of the issues we will address specifically include the following. What constitutes improv? How can we broaden our experiences and apply them towards the volatile social changes we are dealing with right now? How can improvisers use their skills to cultivate cultural awarness and encourage alternative methods to approaching potential conflict in society as a whole? Finally, how can we facilitate the coalition between seemingly separate improvisational art forms (i.e. music, dance, radio, film, etc.) to promote artistic activism? The weekend will consist of a myriad of professional workshops (including OCIC professional alumni, Shaun Landry from Oui Be Negroes), student and alumni workshops taught by people from all walks of life, two professional performances, four Oberlin student performances, an all-night improv jam (where everyone who attended the conference is encouraged to perform), and panel discussions on this year's topic.