What to buy for an improvisation workshop

An improvisation workshop needs more than chairs and a few games. You’ll need materials for exercises, simple props, visible instructions, registration and a comfortable drinks station. Plan the quantities around your group size, then check what the venue already provides before shopping. Name stickers, markers, index cards and game cards are easy to overlook, while extension cords and a speaker often get left until setup time.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Chairsqty 24
Tablesqty 4
Side tablesqty 2
Clothing rack
Waste binsqty 3

Workshop materials

Flip chart
Flipchart padsqty 2
Black markersqty 6
Colored markersqty 2
Sticky notesqty 6
Ballpoint pensqty 24
Name stickersqty 24
Index cardsqty 100
Game cardsqty 60
Masking tapeqty 3
Scarvesqty 12
Soft ballsqty 4
Hatsqty 6
Costume accessoriesqty 12
Newspaper setsqty 6
Kitchen timer

Equipment

Bluetooth speaker
Extension cordsqty 2
Power stripsqty 2
Phone holder

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 24
Platesqty 24
Cutlery setsqty 24
Pitcherqty 3
Serving traysqty 3

Catering

Cool box
Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Semi-skimmed milk - 4 liter
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Still mineral water - 24 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 12 bottles
- Cola - 2 bottles
- Cola Zero - 2 bottles
- Apple juice - 2 cartons
- Wholemeal bread - 6 loaves
- Whole wheat rolls - 30 pieces
- Young cheese slices - 1.5 kilograms
- Hummus - 1 kilogram
- Cream cheese - 500 grams
- Butter - 500 grams
- Strawberry jam - 1 jar
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 1 kilogram
- Carrots - 1 kilogram
- Bell peppers - 6 pieces
- Apples - 24 pieces
- Bananas - 24 pieces
- Grapes - 2 kilogram
- Plain chips - 3 bags
- Paprika chips - 3 bags
- Pretzels - 2 bags
- Salted popcorn - 2 bags
- Butter cookies - 3 packs
- Plain chocolate cookies - 3 packs
- Hummus dip - 2 tubs
- Cocktail cucumbers - 2 jars
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Trash bags - 1 roll
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- All-purpose cleaner - 1 bottle
- Dish soap - 1 bottle
- Dishcloths - 2 packs
- Cleaning gloves - 2 pairs

Cleaning

Broom
Dustpan and brush
Mopqty 2
Bucket

Tips

Allow one chair per participant, plus a little space between chairs so the group can work in a circle. Keep tables and side tables at the edge of the room rather than in the exercise area.
Prepare at least one name sticker and one ballpoint pen per participant, with 10% extra for replacements. Put the stickers and pens at the registration table before people arrive.
For exercises, bring several packs of index cards, sticky notes, masking tape and markers. Prepare game cards in advance and keep them in a labelled stack so the trainer can reach them quickly.
Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then add water for the rest of the session. Reusable cups, a pitcher, serving trays, plates and cutlery keep the drinks station from becoming a queue.
Check the room and equipment at least one day before the workshop. Confirm that the Bluetooth speaker works, and pack extension cords and power strips even if the venue says power is available.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to buy for an improvisation workshop?: Buy name stickers, ballpoint pens, index cards, game cards, sticky notes, masking tape and markers. Add simple props such as scarves, soft balls, hats, costume accessories and newspaper sets, plus drinks and reusable tableware.
How many name stickers and pens do I need?: Prepare one name sticker and one pen per participant, plus 10% extra. For a group of 20, pack 22 stickers and 22 pens so you can replace damaged or missing items.
How much water and soft drink should I buy?: Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, including water and soft drinks, then add more for longer sessions. For 20 participants, start with 40 to 60 servings for the first hour.
When should I prepare the improvisation workshop materials?: Prepare game cards, name stickers and the drinks station at least one day before the workshop. Test the speaker and pack cables, markers and props together so setup does not depend on last-minute shopping.

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