What to Buy for an Improvisation Night

For an improvisation night, most shopping is easy to overlook because the games need few props. The practical work is in making the audience comfortable, keeping drinks and snacks moving, and giving players a clear, well-lit space. Plan tableware for every guest, plus a small reserve, and check whether the venue already has a coffee maker, glasses, tables and power equipment. This list covers the items to buy or bring before you set up the room.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Chairsqty 60
Tablesqty 6
Tall cocktail tablesqty 4
Coat racksqty 2
Waste binsqty 4

Tableware

Drinking glassesqty 70
Coffee cupsqty 35
Platesqty 70
Forksqty 70
Knivesqty 70
Spoonsqty 35
Small bowlsqty 12
Serving traysqty 8

Equipment

Portable speaker
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Microphone standsqty 2
Laptop
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 3
Kitchen timer
Whiteboard
Whiteboard markersqty 6
Changing room screenqty 2

Lighting

LED lightsqty 6
String lightsqty 3

Decorations

Welcome banner
Tableclothsqty 6
Name badgesqty 60
Tapeqty 4

Kitchen

Coffee maker
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 2
Serving spoonsqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 3
Serving tongsqty 4
Scissorsqty 2
Storage binsqty 6

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Spongesqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 6 bottles
- Sparkling water - 4 bottles
- Cola - 4 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Sinas - 3 bottles
- Ginger ale - 2 bottles
- Apple juice - 3 packs
- Orange juice - 3 cartons
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Honey - 1 jar
- Lemons - 6 pieces
- Stirrers - 100 pieces
- Whole grain baguettes - 6 pieces
- White baguettes - 4 pieces
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Hummus - 5 tubs
- Young cheese - 2 kilograms
- Vegetarian slices - 1 kilogram
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 1,5 kilograms
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 5 bags
- Salsa sauce - 4 jars
- Olives - 4 jars
- Salted peanuts - 3 bags
- Unsalted nut mix - 3 bags
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Mini cookies - 5 packs
- Brownies - 50 pieces
- Vegan cookies - 3 packs
- Gluten-free crackers - 3 packs
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 4 packs
- Hand soap - 3 bottles

Tips

Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one drink per person for each additional hour. Add extra water, especially if performers will be under warm stage lighting.
Buy or bring one plate, fork, knife and glass per expected guest, plus at least 10% extra. Small bowls and serving trays make snacks easier to replenish without interrupting the games.
Count seats before the event: provide one chair per audience member and player, then keep 5–10 spare chairs available for late arrivals or a changed room layout.
Test the portable speaker, wireless microphones, laptop, extension cords and power strips at least 24 hours beforehand. Bring tape to secure cables and prevent them crossing the playing area.
Prepare signage, the welcome banner and name badges before doors open. Keep whiteboard markers, game cards and a kitchen timer together so the host does not have to search during a format change.

Frequently asked questions

How many drinks do I need for an improvisation night?: Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour and one per person for every hour after that. Include water in the total, and add roughly 10% extra for late arrivals or longer breaks.
How much tableware should I buy for an improvisation night?: Prepare one glass, plate, fork, knife and spoon per guest, plus a 10% reserve. For 40 guests, that means 44 of each item if the venue does not provide any.
What equipment is needed for an improvisation night?: Allow at least one portable speaker, two wireless microphones, microphone stands, a laptop, extension cords and power strips. Test everything no later than 24 hours before the event.
When should I buy snacks and chill the drinks?: Buy shelf-stable snacks and drinks one to two days ahead, then chill the drinks on the day of the event. Put out perishable snacks no more than 60 minutes before doors open.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.