What you need for an acting workshop

An acting workshop needs more than chairs and a room. Participants need space to move, simple props for improvisation, and somewhere to record exercises or instructions. This checklist covers the practical supplies for registration, warm-ups, theatre games, refreshments and presentations. Buy or collect the consumables first, then test the projector, speaker and microphone before the instructor arrives. Leave enough time to chill drinks and arrange the play area without boxes or cables in the way.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Chairsqty 36
Tablesqty 6
Registration desk
Coat rack
Clothes hangersqty 40
Stoolsqty 6

Equipment

Portable speaker
Microphone
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Laptop
HDMI cable
Projector
Projection screen

Theater supplies

Playing cardsqty 2
Prop box
Clothing accessoriesqty 20
Hand mirrorsqty 6
Yoga matsqty 12
Soft play ballsqty 6

Presentation

Whiteboard
Whiteboard markersqty 4
Flip chart
Flip chart sheets
Name stickersqty 40
Ballpoint pensqty 40
Notepadsqty 36

Tableware

Glassesqty 40
Coffee mugsqty 40
Platesqty 40
Cutlery setsqty 40
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving tongsqty 4

Kitchen

Coffee maker
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 2
Water jugsqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 2
Bread knivesqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Sparkling water - 12 bottles
- Still water - 12 bottles
- Cola - 4 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Orange juice - 4 liters
- Apple juice - 3 liters
- Sandwiches - 40 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 4 loaves
- Butter - 500 grams
- Young cheese - 1,5 kilo
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Herb cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Turkey breast - 1 kilo
- Vegetarian slices - 800 grams
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Tomatoes - 1.5 kilos
- Lettuce - 4 heads
- Bell peppers - 6 pieces
- Carrots - 1 kilo
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Grapes - 2 kilos
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Salted crackers - 4 packs
- Mixed nuts - 1 kilo
- Cookies - 4 packs
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Mustard - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Aluminum foil - 1 roll
- Cling film - 1 roll
- Napkins - 100 pieces
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 1 bottle
- Sponges - 4 pieces
- Hand soap - 2 bottles
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls

Cleaning

Trash binsqty 4
Cleaning bucketsqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Broom and dustpanqty 2
Towelsqty 6

Lighting

Standing lampsqty 4

Decorations

Fabric backdropsqty 3
Arrows and signageqty 8

Safety

Cable matsqty 4
Flashlightsqty 2

Tips

Plan at least one chair per participant, plus a few spare seats for the instructor or late arrivals. Keep tables at the edge of the room so the centre stays clear for warm-ups and improvisation.
Provide one name sticker, one ballpoint pen and one notepad per participant, then add 10% extra. People misplace pens quickly during exercises, and spare name stickers cover last-minute registrations.
For a group of 10 participants, prepare roughly 20 glasses for welcome drinks and later refills. Chill the drinks at least 3 hours before the workshop, rather than waiting until setup.
Test the laptop, HDMI cable, projector, projection screen and portable speaker together at least 60 minutes before starting. Bring extension cords and power strips, and tape or route cables away from the play area.
Sort playing cards, clothing accessories, the prop box, hand mirrors, yoga mats and soft play balls into labelled containers before participants arrive. Keep fragile or distracting props outside the warm-up area until the instructor calls for them.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to bring to an acting workshop?: Bring comfortable clothes, a water bottle and any registration details the organiser requested. The organiser should provide chairs, writing materials, props, presentation equipment and refreshments; check the final participant email 1–2 days before the session.
How many chairs and tables do I need for an acting workshop?: Plan one chair per participant, plus 2–3 spare chairs for the instructor, registration desk or late arrivals. Usually 2–4 tables are enough for registration, refreshments and materials, while the main activity area stays open.
What props are useful for an acting workshop?: A basic set can include playing cards, a prop box, clothing accessories, hand mirrors and soft play balls. Prepare at least 3–5 different prop types for a small group, and sort them before setup so exercises do not lose time.
How much stationery should I buy for an acting workshop?: Provide one name sticker, one pen and one notepad per participant, with 10% extra. For 20 participants, buy or pack at least 22 of each; keep the spare supplies at the registration desk.

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