What to Buy for a Ballet Performance

A ballet performance needs more than costumes and a programme. This shopping list covers the practical items for audience seating, interval refreshments, backstage preparation, music playback, lighting and safe cable management. Plan quantities around your audience size and number of performers, then check the venue before buying equipment. Items such as extension cords, spare batteries, gaffer tape and water for performers are easy to overlook until setup has started.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Furniture

Chairsqty 120
Foldable tablesqty 12
Reception table
Clothes racksqty 4
Break tablesqty 6
Waste binsqty 8

Tableware

Water glassesqty 130
Coffee cupsqty 80
Pastry platesqty 130
Forksqty 130
Coffee spoonsqty 80
Serving plattersqty 16

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Serving tongsqty 8
Coolersqty 4
Ice cube traysqty 4

Equipment

Laptop
Music player
Microphonesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Gaffer tapeqty 4
Spare batteriesqty 12

Lighting

LED table lampsqty 8
LED stage spotlightsqty 4

Decorations

Backdrop clothsqty 2
Flower arrangementsqty 6
Directional signsqty 10
Program standsqty 4
Coat hangersqty 140

Clothing

Garment coversqty 30
Clothing labelsqty 40
Clothes steamersqty 2
Mirrorqty 2
Makeup mirrorsqty 8
Costume storage boxesqty 8

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Flashlightsqty 4
Non-slip matsqty 6

Office

Ticket boxesqty 2
Pen setsqty 4
Clipboard foldersqty 6
Name stickersqty 150

Cleaning

Vacuum cleaner
Mopsqty 4
Bucketsqty 4
Microfiber clothsqty 20
Hand soap dispensersqty 6
Toilet brushesqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee beans - 4 packs
- Tea bags - 200 pieces
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Semi-skimmed milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Sweetener - 1 box
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 8 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Stir sticks - 200 pieces
- Paper napkins - 300 pieces
- Butter cookies - 8 packs
- Madeleines - 6 packs
- Mini muffins - 120 pieces
- Mini apple turnovers - 100 pieces
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Snack mix - 3 bags
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Cucumber - 6 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Mini wraps - 120 pieces
- Herb cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilos
- Cheese slices - 2 kilos
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Jam - 2 jars
- Whole wheat bread - 12 loaves
- Gluten-free bread - 3 loaves
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Small trash bags - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 1 pack
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Paper towels - 6 packs

Tips

Plan one seat per expected audience member, then keep a small reserve if the venue allows it. Count tables separately for reception, refreshments and any registration point.
For interval drinks, allow two servings per guest if you are offering coffee, tea or water. Prepare at least one water glass per expected guest, plus extra glasses for performers and volunteers.
Check the venue’s power supply at least one week before the performance. Count every laptop, music player, microphone and spotlight, then bring enough extension cords and power strips without overloading one outlet.
Pack gaffer tape and spare batteries with the technical equipment, not in a general storage box. Keep the tape available during setup for securing cables and marking positions safely.
Set aside one labelled backstage water station and one clothing area before doors open. Clothing racks, thermos flasks and coolers should be ready before performers begin their warm-up.

Frequently asked questions

What should I buy for a ballet performance reception?: For a simple reception, plan a reception table, serving platters, water glasses, coffee cups, dessert plates, forks and serving tongs. Allow two drinks per guest during the first hour and add 10% extra tableware for breakage or unexpected guests.
How much coffee and tea do I need for a ballet show?: For a one-hour reception or interval, prepare about 2 cups per coffee or tea drinker. A practical starting point is 1 litre for every 8 to 10 cups, with coffee makers, kettles and thermos flasks ready at least 30 minutes before serving.
What technical supplies are easy to forget for a ballet performance?: Pack extension cords, power strips, gaffer tape and spare batteries at least one day before the show. Check the music player, laptop, microphones and LED stage spotlights together, and bring one backup playback option if the programme depends on recorded music.
How many chairs and tables do I need for a ballet performance?: Provide one chair for each planned audience member, plus up to 5% extra if space permits. Use separate tables for reception and interval refreshments, and confirm the final layout with the venue at least 48 hours before setup.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.