What to Buy for an Improvisation Night
An improvisation night needs more than chairs and a stage area. You’ll need working microphones, a clear timer, simple props, audience question materials and signs that help people find the room. Plan drinks and glasses for the audience, then check adapters, cables, extension cords and power strips before shopping. This list supports a setup with players, a host and audience participation, so the room must work for both performance and quick format changes.
What to bring
Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.
Furniture
- Chairsqty 70
- Tablesqty 8
- Bar stoolsqty 4
- Clothing rack
- Coat racksqty 3
Equipment
- Active speakersqty 2
- Wireless microphonesqty 3
- Microphone standsqty 2
- Mixer
- Audio cablesqty 6
- Extension cordsqty 4
- Power stripsqty 4
- Digital timer
- Laptop
- Presentation screen
- Adapter plugsqty 3
Lighting
- LED spotlightsqty 4
- Mood lightingqty 2
Decorations
- Decorative clothsqty 4
- Balloonsqty 40
- Directional signsqty 8
- Name badgesqty 70
- Markersqty 12
- Tapeqty 4
- Scissorsqty 4
- A4 paperqty 200
- Flip chart
- Flip chart sheetsqty 30
- Audience Ticketsqty 100
Tableware
- Glassesqty 80
- Coffee cupsqty 40
- Platesqty 80
- Cutlery setsqty 80
- Pitcherqty 4
Kitchen
- Kettlesqty 2
- Thermos flasksqty 3
- Coolersqty 3
- Serving plattersqty 8
- Serving utensilsqty 8
- Cutting boardsqty 3
- Kitchen knivesqty 3
- Bottle openersqty 3
Cleaning
- Bucketsqty 2
- Mopsqty 2
- Dustpan and brushqty 2
- Spongesqty 6
Catering
- Groceries
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Ice tea - 4 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Mints - 1 box
- Lemons - 8 pieces
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Tortilla chips - 4 bags
- Snack mix - 3 bags
- Popcorn - 3 bags
- Mini pretzels - 3 bags
- Olives - 3 jars
- Cucumber - 6 pieces
- Carrots - 2 kilogram
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Grapes - 2 kilogram
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Bananas - 20 pieces
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Crackers - 6 packs
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Butter - 2 tubs
- Jam - 2 jars
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Paper napkins - 6 packs
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 3 packs
Tips
- Buy or gather at least two wireless microphones if the host and players need to speak while moving. Test every microphone with the active speakers and mixer before guests arrive, rather than discovering a cable or adapter problem at show time.
- Allow one chair per registered audience member, plus a small number of spare chairs. Keep tables outside the cleared play area so players can move safely between games.
- Prepare audience questions on A4 paper or flip chart sheets, with several markers ready. Make more questions than you expect to use so the host can skip unsuitable prompts without stopping the show.
- Bring a digital timer or laptop timer and test it with the presentation screen if timing is displayed to the audience. Keep the timer visible to the host throughout the programme.
- Use directional signs, name badges and tape before doors open. Put signs at the entrance and along the route to the room, and reserve time to attach decorations, lighting and signage after the technical setup.
Frequently asked questions
- What equipment do I need for an improvisation night?
- Plan for active speakers, wireless microphones, microphone stands, a mixer, audio cables, extension cords and power strips. Add adapter plugs and test the complete sound chain at least 60 minutes before opening.
- How many microphones are needed for an improv show?
- Two wireless microphones cover a host and one active player at a time; larger casts may need more. Keep microphone stands available and test each microphone before the audience enters.
- What props and audience materials should I buy?
- Prepare a small, flexible set of props, plus A4 paper, flip chart sheets, markers, tape and scissors. Have at least 20 audience question slips ready for a typical interactive show, then add more for larger audiences.
- How much time do I need to set up an improvisation night?
- Allow 90 minutes for chairs, tables, the cleared play area, decorations, signage, sound, lights, timer and props. Finish the microphone and speaker test at least 30 minutes before doors open.
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