What you need for a circus show

A circus show needs more than performers and a cleared floor. Plan supplies for the audience, reception area, performance space and basic sound and lighting setup. Chairs, tables, extension cords and rechargeable lamps are easy to overlook, especially when the venue has limited equipment. Buy drinks and disposable supplies before setup day, then check the full stock against the guest list and performance schedule.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Chairsqty 120
Tablesqty 12
Foldable tablesqty 4
Coat racksqty 2
Stoolsqty 8
Bollardsqty 12

Equipment

Wireless microphonesqty 2
Speakersqty 2
Mixer
Music player
Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 6
Rechargeable lampsqty 6

Lighting

LED spotlightsqty 6
Mood lightingqty 4
Light standsqty 4

Decorations

Backdropsqty 3
Red carpetsqty 2
Balloon archesqty 2
Balloonsqty 200
Buntingqty 8
Circus postersqty 12
Tableclothsqty 12
Name badgesqty 140

Sports equipment

Juggling pinsqty 12
Juggling ballsqty 24
Juggling scarvesqty 24
Hoopsqty 12
Balance boardsqty 6
Walking stiltsqty 8
Diabolosqty 8
Crash matsqty 8
Barrier tapeqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 160
Platesqty 140
Cutlery setsqty 140
Coffee cupsqty 50
Serving spoonsqty 8
Scissorsqty 6

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 6
Water jugsqty 8
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knifeqty 4
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving tongsqty 8
Food warmersqty 4
Popcorn bowlsqty 8

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Fire extinguishersqty 2
Flashlightsqty 4
Non-slip matsqty 8

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 10
Mopsqty 4
Bucketsqty 4
Broom setsqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 4
Cleaning glovesqty 8

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Chocolate milk - 8 liters
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 8 cartons
- Orange juice - 8 packs
- Spa Blauw - 24 bottles
- Spa Rood - 12 bottles
- Lemonade syrup - 4 bottles
- Paper straws - 150 pieces
- Ice cubes - 12 kilo
- Popcorn kernels - 5 kilos
- Sunflower oil - 2 liters
- Popcorn salt - 500 grams
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Cheese crackers - 6 packs
- Salted breadsticks - 6 packs
- Mini pretzels - 6 bags
- Mini pancakes - 200 pieces
- Powdered sugar - 1 kilo
- Apples - 8 kilos
- Bananas - 6 kilos
- Grapes - 5 kilos
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 4 kilos
- Carrots - 4 kilos
- Bell peppers - 3 kilos
- Hummus - 2 kilos
- Cream cheese - 1 kilo
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Ham - 2 kilos
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilos
- Hummus wraps - 80 pieces
- Whole wheat bread - 12 loaves
- White rolls - 120 pieces
- Mini croissants - 100 pieces
- Butter - 1 kilo
- Jam - 4 jars
- Peanut butter - 3 jars
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Vegetarian meatballs - 250 pieces
- Chicken skewers - 200 pieces
- Pasta salad - 8 kilo
- Green salad - 6 kilos
- Dressing - 3 bottles
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Garlic butter - 2 kilos
- Vegan sandwiches - 30 pieces
- Gluten-free rolls - 15 pieces
- Vegan toppings - 1 kilo
- Gluten-free crackers - 6 packs
- Allergen stickers - 2 sheets
- Cupcakes - 120 pieces
- Cookies - 10 packs
- Chocolate bars - 120 pieces
- Fruit bars - 100 pieces
- Napkins - 400 pieces
- Paper plates - 150
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Organic Waste Bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Disinfectant spray - 2 bottles
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Hand soap - 6 dispensers
- Paper towels - 12 packs
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Microfiber cloths - 20 pieces
- Rubber gloves - 2 boxes

Tips

Plan 2–3 drinks per guest for the first hour, then add 1 drink per person for each additional hour. Chill them at least 4 hours before doors open so the reception table is ready on arrival.
Allow 1 chair per registered guest, plus 5–10 spare chairs for late additions, performers or anyone who needs a different seat. Count tables separately for reception, name badges and drinks.
Pack at least 2 extension cords and 2 power strips, and test every speaker, microphone, mixer and music player before the show. Keep cables out of the audience route and away from the play area.
Prepare 1 name badge per participant or guest, with around 10% extra for last-minute registrations. Put the badges, program and dietary information at the reception table before opening the venue.
Count every juggling pin, ball, scarf, hoop, balance board and pair of stilts before setup and again after the performance. Keep interactive equipment outside the audience area until the floor check is complete.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for a circus show?: You need audience seating, reception tables, drinks, sound equipment, lighting, extension cords, decorations and circus activity equipment. For a basic count, plan 1 chair per guest, 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour and 10% spare name badges.
How many drinks should I buy for a circus show?: Buy 2–3 drinks per guest for the first hour, then 1 additional drink per person for every extra hour. Add about 10% extra if the event is outdoors or if no nearby shop is available.
When should I buy supplies for a circus show?: Buy non-perishable decorations, tableware and equipment at least 3–7 days before the show. Buy chilled drinks 1 day before, then chill them for at least 4 hours before the doors open.
How many chairs do I need for a circus show?: Provide 1 chair for every registered guest and keep 5–10 spare chairs available. Check the layout before opening so the audience seating does not reduce the clear performance area.

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