What to Buy for an Improv Competition

An improv competition needs more than a stage and willing performers. You will need practical supplies for registration, judging, timing, audience seating, refreshments and clear movement around the venue. Plan quantities around your audience size, number of teams and competition length. Use this list alongside your printed competition cards, jury forms and game rules so nothing essential is bought at the last minute.

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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
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea assortment - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 5 bottles
- Ice tea - 5 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Tortilla chips - 4 bags
- Salted peanuts - 3 bags
- Snack nuts - 3 bags
- Olives - 4 jars
- Cucumber - 6 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Carrots - 2 kilo
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Herb cream cheese - 5 tubs
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Brie - 1 kilo
- Grape jam - 2 jars
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Napkins - 250 pieces
- Tea towels - 8 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Paper towels - 6 packs
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls

Cleaning

Trash binsqty 6
Waste sorting binsqty 3
Broom setsqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Bucketsqty 2
Cleaning glovesqty 6
Cleaning clothsqty 12

Tips

Plan one chair per audience member, plus 4–6 extra chairs for performers, judges or late seating changes. Set aside a separate judges’ table and reception desk rather than borrowing them during the event.
For refreshments, estimate 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour and 1–2 for every additional hour. Buy reusable cups, coffee cups, plates, cutlery and serving platters before the catering shopping starts.
Bring at least 2 wireless microphones if the host and performers need to speak separately, and pack spare audio cables, extension cords and power strips. Test the mixer, speakers and laptop at least 2 hours before doors open.
Prepare one stopwatch and one buzzer for the judging process, then bring printed jury forms and competition cards for every judge, team or match plus 10% spare copies. Keep pens at the judges’ table.
Use floor tape and cones to mark the performance area, waiting positions and audience boundaries. Put up the welcome sign, route signs and name badges before registration begins, ideally 45 minutes before the advertised start time.

Frequently asked questions

How many chairs do I need for an improv competition?: Plan one chair per expected audience member and add 4–6 extra chairs for judges, performers or unexpected guests. If registration is still open, add about 10% to your expected audience figure.
How many drinks should I buy for an improv competition?: Budget 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour, then 1–2 additional drinks per person for each extra hour. Include coffee cups and reusable cups separately if you are serving both hot and cold drinks.
How many jury forms and competition cards should I print?: Print one form or card for each intended user or match, then add 10% spare copies. Finish printing at least 1 day before the competition so errors can be corrected without affecting registration or judging.
What technical equipment is needed for an improv competition?: Allow at least 2 wireless microphones, microphone stands, a mixer, speakers, a laptop, audio cables, extension cords and power strips. Test every connection at least 2 hours before the audience arrives and keep spare cables available.

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