What to Buy for a Cabaret Show

A cabaret show needs more than chairs and a microphone. Plan for the audience experience, the performer’s technical setup, and the coffee or drinks served before the show and during the interval. Buy disposable or reusable items according to your guest count, then add a small buffer for breakages and last-minute guests. Check the performer’s equipment requirements before shopping, especially for microphones, speakers, connections and lighting.

The full checklist for this plan is being updated. The tips and answers below still apply.

Tips

Plan one chair per registered guest, then keep 5–10% extra seating available if the room allows. Arrange a clear route to the entrance, toilets and exits rather than filling every available space.
For a seated show, allow one water glass per guest plus at least 10% extra. Keep a separate glass and bottle of water ready for the performer before doors open.
Buy coffee cups, tea glasses, plates, pastry forks and coffee spoons for the full guest count, plus 10% spare. Coffee and cake service often uses more tableware than expected because items are left at tables between acts.
Check every cable, power strip and extension cord at least one day before the show. Bring gaffer tape and spare lighting batteries; replacing a missing connection or battery after guests arrive is unnecessarily difficult.
Set aside a clearly labelled technical box for the wireless microphone, microphone stand, audio mixer, DI box and cables. Keep the performer’s chair, water and any required connection within reach before the sound check starts.

Frequently asked questions

How many chairs do I need for a cabaret show?: Plan one chair for every confirmed guest and add 5–10% extra if your room has space. For 80 guests, that means 84–88 chairs. Keep a few unoccupied chairs available for late arrivals or accessibility adjustments.
How much tableware should I buy for a cabaret show?: For coffee, tea and snacks, plan one cup or glass, plate, pastry fork and coffee spoon per guest, plus 10% spare. For 80 guests, prepare at least 88 of each item that will be used throughout the service.
How many drinks should I buy for a cabaret show?: For a show lasting around two to three hours, allow two to three drinks per guest for the first hour and one to two more for each additional hour, depending on whether food and coffee are served. Add 10% extra for unexpected guests and spillage.
When should I check the cabaret show equipment?: Do a full equipment check at least 24 hours before the show, including the wireless microphone, speakers, mixer, DI box, cables and lighting. Repeat a short sound and lighting check 60–90 minutes before doors open.