What You Need for an Improvisation Show

An improvisation show needs more than chairs and a microphone. Plan the audience area, a clear performance space, basic lighting, sound equipment, drinks and simple materials for registration and wayfinding. Your shopping list will depend on the venue and audience size, but a few items are easy to overlook: spare batteries, cable protection, coat hangers, name stickers and signs that guide people from the entrance to their seats. Buy consumables after registrations close, then add a small buffer for late arrivals and last-minute changes.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Chairsqty 110
Tablesqty 8
Bar stoolsqty 4
Coat racksqty 3
Clothes hangersqty 120
Tableclothsqty 8

Equipment

Active speakersqty 2
Wireless microphonesqty 3
Microphone standsqty 3
Audio mixer
Laptop
DI box
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 5
Gaffer tapeqty 4
Cable traysqty 6

Lighting

LED spotlightsqty 6
String lightsqty 4
Spare batteriesqty 24

Decorations

Backdrop
Stage coversqty 2
Welcome sign
Directional signsqty 6
Adhesive hooksqty 20
Name stickersqty 120
Markersqty 12
Flip chart sheetsqty 30
Flip chart stand

Kitchen

Kettlesqty 2
Coffee maker
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coolersqty 3
Ice cube traysqty 4
Serving traysqty 6
Small bowlsqty 12
Bread knivesqty 3

Tableware

Drinking glassesqty 130
Coffee cupsqty 60
Platesqty 130
Forksqty 130
Knivesqty 130
Spoonsqty 80
Serving spoonsqty 8

Sports equipment

Improvisation props
Soft play ballsqty 6
Hoopsqty 3
Colorful scarvesqty 12
Costume accessories

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Broom and dustpanqty 2
Mop set
Cleaning glovesqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea selection - 3 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Mints - 1 box
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemons - 8 pieces
- Still mineral water - 8 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 6 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Tonic - 3 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- White beer - 24 bottles
- Rosé wine - 6 bottles
- White wine - 6 bottles
- Red wine - 3 bottles
- Beer glasses - 100 pieces
- Crackers - 6 packs
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Cream cheese - 6 tubs
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Pesto - 3 jars
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Brie - 1 kilo
- Vegetarian tapenade - 4 jars
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Pears - 30 pieces
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Mixed nuts - 3 kilo
- Olives - 4 jars
- Salty pretzels - 4 bags
- Popcorn - 3 kilos
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Brownies - 100 pieces
- Vegan brownies - 20 pieces
- Gluten-free crackers - 3 packs
- Gluten-free cookies - 3 packs
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Paper napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Small trash bags - 30 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 30 pieces
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 1 bottle
- Toilet cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfecting wipes - 3 packs
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Microfiber cloths - 12 pieces
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand gel - 3 bottles
- Paper towels - 6 packs
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Freezer bags - 1 box
- Service wipes - 2 packs
- Name badges - 120 pcs
- Ballpoint pens - 20 pieces
- Wristbands - 120 pieces
- Cash change - 1 set

Tips

Plan seating and serving supplies from your confirmed capacity, then add roughly 5–10% extra cups, napkins and refreshments for unexpected guests.
Buy spare batteries before show day and keep extension cords, power strips and gaffer tape together in one labelled technical box.
Prepare at least one welcome sign and several directional signs so guests can find the entrance, seating, toilets and drinks without interrupting the performers.
Bring enough coat hangers for the expected winter coats, plus a few extra; coat racks and hangers are often forgotten until the first audience members arrive.
Keep props, backdrop materials, name stickers, markers and flip chart supplies in separate containers so the performers and front-of-house team can access them quickly.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for an improvisation show?: For a basic setup, allow active speakers, wireless microphones, microphone stands and an audio mixer. Also bring a laptop, DI box, extension cords, power strips and gaffer tape, and test everything at least 2 hours before doors open.
How many drinks should I buy for an improvisation show?: For the first hour, plan on 2–3 drinks per person, then about 1 drink per person for each additional hour. Add 10% extra if attendance is uncertain or guests are not pre-registered.
What signage is needed for an improvisation show?: Prepare one welcome sign and at least 2–4 directional signs, depending on the venue layout. Put them up before doors open, including signs for the entrance, seating area and refreshments.
When should I buy supplies for an improvisation show?: Buy reusable equipment and decorations at least 1 week in advance so you can test and replace missing items. Purchase catering and other perishable supplies after registration closes, ideally 1–2 days before the show.

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