Congratulations on being accepted to your first festival. You’re going to get to perform for people in a new city and go on a road trip with your friends. It’s going to be a fantastic time. But if it’s your festival, there are a few things that will make your time more fun overall.

1. Pack accordingly

This is just like any non-improv trip, but it’s a good reminder. Check the weather. Know how many days you’ll be there. Bring the right toiletries etc.

2. Drive if you can

Sometimes flying is the only feasible option, but if you can drive – do it. It’s not only a cheaper option (most but not all of the time) it gives you two advantages. First, a road trip with your cast is fantastic group mind building. You’re show and your future ensemble health will be better for it. Second, you’ll be able to get around in town. There’s nothing worse than being stuck at the venue and not able to find a ride back to the hotel.

3. Stay near the venue

If there’s an official hotel. Consider staying there unless it’s really outside of your price range. You’ll get to spend some time at the continental breakfast and in the late nights meeting and sharing with other improvisors and you’re more likely to get rides back and forth. If there isn’t a hotel, find one that’s nearby. You don’t want to be so far from the action that you can’t get back to your hotel for a shower or a nap.

4. Party after your show

There are often parties every night. Go. Have fun. But don’t overdo it the night before your show. Doing a show with a hangover is miserable and you’re going to feel crummy for going all that way and not having the best show you could.

5. Record your show

Often times a festival will be recording shows anyway, but if not, ask the tech person if you can set up a camera to record your show. And be respectful. The tech person at a festival is often one of the most thankless jobs at a festival and they’re stressed. Be respectful of their time.

6. Thank volunteers

Speaking of thankless jobs, any festival has countless volunteers who are working their tushes off just because they love improv. Let them know they’re appreciated. The festival wouldn’t be happening without them.

7. See shows

For Pete’s sakes, you’ve come all this way. Why not see something you don’t normally get to see. Go see your friend’s shows, but also try to catch as many shows as possible that you’ve never seen. In our own cities, we often build up our own assumptions. It’s great to have those assumptions challenged.
And if you like a show. Tell them. It’s always nice to hear that you did a good job.

8. Talk about improv outside of the bar

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t talk about improv when you are at the bar. Do it, it’s awesome. You’ll have some passionate debates and idea sessions there. But most of them will be forgotten. Check in during the downtimes during the day. Ask people about their shows and their philosophies. They’re always happy to talk. More and more festivals are having conferences. Go to these, they’re amazing chances to grow.

9. Buy the T-shirt

Yes, you will regret being the only one to not have one.

10. Say goodbye

Take a chance to say goodbye to the people you’ve met on your trip. You’ll see them again in another month in another city. You’re now part of the great travelling nomadic culture of performers. But for now, say goodbye and head back home.