10 Improv Prompts for Thanksgiving

A special feature for our US readers and Americans living in OZ…

Ah, Thanksgiving: a time for gratitude, family gatherings, and… improv? Absolutely! At its core, Thanksgiving and improv both celebrate the joy of coming together and sharing moments. They thrive on spontaneity, creativity, and that heartwarming sense of connection. What better way to enhance the festive atmosphere of Thanksgiving than with a sprinkle of unscripted, unpredictable drama? Below, you’ll find 10 delightfully entertaining improv prompts suited for the Thanksgiving holiday. And, just when you think the scenario can’t get more humorous or heartfelt, we’ve thrown in some suggestions for setting changes, elevated stakes, and quirky props to take your performance to the next level.

Improv Prompts:

1. Two chefs in a heated debate over the best way to prepare a turkey.
2. A family trying to keep a secret from Grandma during the Thanksgiving dinner.
3. A group of pilgrims and Native Americans attempting a potluck meal for the first time.
4. Two siblings fighting over the last piece of pumpkin pie.
5. The turkey escapes from the oven and demands to be a guest at the table.
6. The family dog devises a plan to steal the turkey from the countertop.
7. A vegan and a meat-lover have to compromise on a Thanksgiving menu.
8. A couple is hosting their in-laws for the first time and everything goes wrong.
9. Kids try to start a new Thanksgiving tradition, but the adults are skeptical.
10. An alien lands on Earth during Thanksgiving and tries to understand the holiday.

Changes to the Setting:

• The chefs’ kitchen is in the middle of a bustling parade route.
• The family dinner takes place in a camping tent due to a power outage.
• The potluck meal? It’s happening on a boat.

Changes to the Stakes:

• If the chefs mess up the turkey, their cooking show will be cancelled.
• The family has one dinner to impress a distant relative who’s rumoured to be wealthy.
• The couple with in-laws find out they are being secretly evaluated for a will inheritance.

Prop Additions:

• A magical cranberry sauce that allows people to read minds.
• A wishbone that actually grants wishes.
• An old family recipe book that has some very untraditional recipes.

The magic of improv lies in its unpredictability, and with Thanksgiving serving as the backdrop, the opportunities for hilarious, touching, and downright memorable scenes are endless. Whether you’re an improv newbie or a seasoned pro, these prompts and twists are sure to make your Thanksgiving performance a heartwarming, memorable event. So gather around, give thanks, and let your imagination run wild through the heartwarming world of improv!