What you need for an improvisation workshop

For an improvisation workshop, most supplies are simple, but missing small items can disrupt the session. Plan one chair per participant, plus flip-chart paper, markers, notepads, pens, improvisation cards and a few usable props. Drinks and catering need separate planning, especially when dietary requirements are involved. Check the room’s equipment before shopping: a portable speaker, laptop, charging cables, power strips and extension cords are easy to overlook and often needed before participants arrive.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Chairsqty 35
Tablesqty 6
Registration desk
Coat racksqty 2
Waste binsqty 4

Equipment

Portable speaker
Laptop
Charging cablesqty 3
Power stripsqty 2
Extension cordsqty 3
Timer

Workshop materials

Flip chartsqty 2
Flip chart paperqty 3
Markersqty 24
Notepadsqty 35
Pensqty 40
Improvisation cardsqty 100
Propsqty 20
Tapeqty 4
Sticky notesqty 6

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 40
Platesqty 40
Forksqty 40
Knivesqty 40
Spoonsqty 40
Serving spoonsqty 4

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 3
Coolersqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 2
Knivesqty 3
Serving traysqty 4

Decorations

Name badgesqty 40
Tableclothsqty 6
Welcome sign

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 2
Cleaning clothsqty 12
Dish brushesqty 3
Hand soapqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea assortment - 3 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Mints - 1 box
- Semi-skimmed milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Lemons - 6 pieces
- Still water - 24 bottles
- Sparkling water - 12 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Grape juice - 3 packs
- Chicken wraps - 18 pieces
- Vegetarian wraps - 8 pieces
- Vegan wraps - 5 pieces
- Mixed green salad - 3 bags
- Cherry tomatoes - 1 kilo
- Cucumbers - 4 pieces
- Bell peppers - 6 pieces
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Feta cheese - 3 packages
- Vinaigrette - 2 bottles
- Bread - 4 loaves
- Unsalted butter - 2 packs
- Young cheese - 1 kilo
- Vegetarian cheese - 500 grams
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Salted crackers - 4 packs
- Mixed nuts - 2 bags
- Grapes - 2 kilos
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Cookies - 4 packs
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 1 pack

Tips

Prepare one notepad and one pen per participant, then add 10% extra for damaged or forgotten supplies. Put the materials at each seat before registration starts.
Bring at least two packs of flip-chart paper and a set of assorted markers. Keep tape and sticky notes together so exercises can be posted without stopping the workshop.
Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then about one drink per person for each additional hour. Chill drinks in coolers before participants arrive and keep extra water accessible.
For coffee and tea, allow one hot drink per person for each planned break, plus 10% extra. Use thermos flasks if the workshop runs longer than two hours so serving does not interrupt an exercise.
Test the speaker, laptop, charging cables and power connections at least 30 minutes before the start. Bring one timer and keep props, improvisation cards and spare tape in one clearly marked box.

Frequently asked questions

What materials do I need for an improvisation workshop?: Plan one notepad and one pen per participant, plus 10% extra. You will also need flip-chart paper, markers, sticky notes, tape, improvisation cards and props for the exercises.
How many chairs do I need for an improvisation workshop?: Use one chair per participant and arrange them in a circle. Add two or three spare chairs if the room allows, especially when late registrations or facilitators need seating.
How much coffee and tea should I buy for a workshop?: Allow one hot drink per person for each scheduled break, then add 10% extra. For a group of 20 with two breaks, plan for about 44 servings in total.
What equipment should I check before the workshop?: Test the portable speaker and laptop at least 30 minutes before starting. Check every charging cable, power strip and extension cord, and keep a timer available for exercises.

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