How to organise an improv competition
An improv competition needs more than teams and funny suggestions. Start by fixing the competition format, venue and match schedule, then build the participant, judging and audience plans around them. Book the host and technical support early, because microphones, music cues and timing affect every round. Before the event, send clear participant information, print judging forms and competition cards, and check dietary requirements for catering. This approach keeps registration, backstage changes and the final assignment under control.
The plan, step by step
Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.
Preparations
- 1
Reserve competition venue
- 2
Set competition format
2 people
- 3
Draw up the match schedule
2 people
- 4
Assemble teams
2 people
- 5
Invite participants
2 people
- 6
Send audience invitations
2 people
- 7
Process registrations
2 people
- 8
Check participant details
- 9
Collect dietary requirements
- 10
Assign judges
- 11
Book host
- 12
Log technical support
- 13
Assign volunteers
2 people
- 14
Develop judging criteria
2 people
- 15
Write out the game rules
2 people
- 16
Gather improvisation suggestions
3 people
- 17
Prepare the final assignment
2 people
- 18
Send participant letter
- 19
Publish audience information
- 20
Order prizes
- 21
Create a shopping list
2 people
- 22
Do the catering shopping
2 people
- 23
Collect materials
3 people
- 24
Print competition cards
- 25
Print the jury forms
- 26
Make name badges
2 people
- 27
Make route signs
- 28
Pick up venue keys
- 29
Check the venue
2 people
- 30
Set up the audience area
3 people
- 31
Mark off the play area
2 people
- 32
Set up tables
3 people
- 33
Set up chairs
4 people
- 34
Set up judges' table
2 people
- 35
Set up the reception desk
2 people
- 36
Set up the cloakroom
2 people
- 37
Hang up decorations
2 people
- 38
Connect sound
2 people
- 39
Test microphones
2 people
- 40
Test music playback
- 41
Set up lighting
2 people
- 42
Stock the refrigerators
2 people
- 43
Set out coffee and tea
2 people
- 44
Prepare snacks
3 people
- 45
Prepare participant package
2 people
Event
- 46
Assign jury duties
3 people
- 47
Receive participants
2 people
- 48
Welcome the audience
3 people
- 49
Register entry
2 people
- 50
Register participants
2 people
- 51
Escort audience to the hall
2 people
- 52
Explain the game rules
- 53
Guide competition rounds
3 people
- 54
Provide suggestions
2 people
- 55
Monitor scene timing
- 56
Operate music and effects
- 57
Collect points
2 people
- 58
Process scores
2 people
- 59
Serve drinks
2 people
- 60
Serve snacks
2 people
- 61
Refill drinks
2 people
- 62
Clear tables
2 people
- 63
Inform the audience
- 64
Announce finalists
- 65
Lead the final
3 people
- 66
Determine winner
3 people
- 67
Present prizes
2 people
- 68
Give a thank-you speech
- 69
See the audience out
2 people
Aftercare
- 70
Collect lost and found items
2 people
- 71
Store leftover catering
2 people
- 72
Wash dishes
3 people
- 73
Collect waste
3 people
- 74
Clean the room
3 people
- 75
Clean the restrooms
2 people
- 76
Clear away chairs
3 people
- 77
Clear tables
3 people
- 78
Remove decorations
2 people
- 79
Dismantle the sound system
2 people
- 80
Dismantle lighting
2 people
- 81
Sort materials
2 people
- 82
Lock up the venue
- 83
Return borrowed items
2 people
What to bring
Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.
Furniture
- Chairsqty 100
- Tablesqty 10
- Judges' table
- Reception desk
- Coat rackqty 2
- Stoolsqty 8
Equipment
- Wireless microphonesqty 3
- Microphone standsqty 3
- Mixer
- Speakersqty 2
- Laptop
- Audio cablesqty 6
- Extension cordsqty 6
- Power stripsqty 4
- Stopwatchqty 2
- Buzzer
- Clipboard foldersqty 8
- Pensqty 30
- Whiteboardsqty 2
- Whiteboard markersqty 8
- Calculatorsqty 2
- Power banksqty 3
- Cash box
- Payment terminal
- Admission wristbandsqty 120
Lighting
- LED spotlightsqty 4
- Mood lightingqty 2
Sports equipment
- Conesqty 8
- Floor tapeqty 4
- Improvisation cardsqty 150
- Prop boxesqty 4
- Improvisation propsqty 30
Decorations
- Welcome sign
- Route signsqty 6
- Stage curtain
- Flagsqty 4
- Name badgesqty 30
- Winner's cup
- Medal ribbonsqty 12
- Prize certificatesqty 6
Tableware
- Reusable cupsqty 120
- Coffee cupsqty 40
- Platesqty 100
- Cutlery setsqty 100
- Serving plattersqty 8
- Serving tongsqty 6
Kitchen
- Coffee makerqty 2
- Kettlesqty 2
- Thermos flasksqty 4
- Coolersqty 3
- Bottle openersqty 3
- Cutting boardsqty 3
- Kitchen knivesqty 3
- Storage binsqty 8
Catering
- Groceries
Cleaning
- Trash binsqty 6
- Waste sorting binsqty 3
- Broom setsqty 2
- Mopsqty 2
- Bucketsqty 2
- Cleaning glovesqty 6
- Cleaning clothsqty 12
Tips
- Set the format before inviting teams. Decide how many teams compete, how long each match lasts and how winners are determined; these choices determine the schedule, judging criteria and number of competition cards.
- Create one master schedule with arrival, registration, matches, breaks and the final assignment. Share the participant letter early and leave at least 30 minutes before the first match for check-in and technical testing.
- Test the sound setup before doors open. Check both wireless microphones, the mixer, speakers, laptop, audio cables and power strips, then keep a stopwatch and buzzer at the judges’ table so every round follows the same timing.
- Make judging easy to follow by printing one jury form per judge for every scored match, plus spare copies. Explain the game rules and scoring criteria to judges, teams and the host before the first round rather than during a dispute.
- Plan the audience route as carefully as the stage. Set up the reception desk, welcome and route signs, coat rack, seating and reusable cups before opening, and confirm catering quantities after registrations and dietary requirements are checked.
Frequently asked questions
- How far in advance should I organise an improv competition?
- Start venue, format and host arrangements at least 8 to 12 weeks before the competition. Invite teams and audiences after the format is fixed, and use the final 2 weeks for registrations, dietary details, printing and technical checks.
- How do you create an improv competition schedule?
- List every match, break, registration period and final assignment in one timetable. Add at least 30 minutes for arrival and equipment testing, and include a 10-minute buffer after each block of matches for overruns and score processing.
- How many judges do you need for an improv competition?
- Use at least 3 judges for each scored match so one individual opinion does not determine the result. Assign them before invitations go out, then print one jury form per judge for every match plus at least 10% spare forms.
- What equipment is needed for an improv competition?
- Allow at least 2 wireless microphones, a mixer, speakers, a laptop, audio cables, extension cords and power strips for the sound system. Add a stopwatch and buzzer for timing, and complete a full sound check at least 60 minutes before the audience enters.
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