What to Buy for a Circus Workshop

A circus workshop needs more than juggling props. Plan equipment by station, leave clear space for movement, and have crash mats ready before participants arrive. For drinks and snacks, reusable cups, plates and serving items keep the reception area organised. Check every prop several days ahead, especially balance equipment, stilts and extension leads, so missing or damaged items can be replaced before setup.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 36
Reception desk

Sports equipment

Crash matsqty 8
Juggling ballsqty 36
Juggling scarvesqty 36
Juggling hoopsqty 12
Diabolosqty 8
Flowersticksqty 8
Balance boardsqty 6
Walking stiltsqty 6
Balance lineqty 2
Gym ringsqty 6
Conesqty 12
Hoopsqty 12
Soft practice ballsqty 12
Supply binsqty 6

Equipment

Bluetooth speaker
Extension cordsqty 2
Power stripsqty 2

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 40
Reusable platesqty 40
Reusable cutleryqty 40

Kitchen

Coolersqty 3
Thermos flasksqty 3
Serving jugsqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 2
Serving plattersqty 6
Serving utensilsqty 6

Decorations

Circus flagsqty 4
Name stickersqty 40
Markersqty 12
Paper tapeqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Cleaning clothsqty 12
Bucketsqty 2
Floor squeegeesqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Still mineral water - 48 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 24 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Cola - 4 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Lemonade syrup - 2 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea assortment - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Pretzels - 3 bags
- Rice cakes - 4 packs
- Mini wraps - 60 pieces
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Cream cheese - 3 tubs
- Chicken breast filling - 3 packs
- Young cheese - 3 packs
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Bell peppers - 6 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 4 trays
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Grapes - 4 tubs
- Muesli bars - 40 pieces
- Allergy-free cookies - 2 packs
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Paper napkins - 4 packs
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 4 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces

Tips

Allow one juggling item per participant at each active station, then add a few spares for damaged or misplaced equipment. Keep juggling balls, scarves, hoops, diabolos and flowersticks in labelled supply bins.
Use crash mats beneath higher-risk activities, including walking stilts, balance boards, balance lines and gym rings. Check the mats before the workshop and position them before participants enter the activity area.
Prepare one reception setup with a desk, name stickers, printed consent forms and a current participant list. Keep parent contact details and dietary requirements together rather than asking families to repeat them at check-in.
Plan drinks for two to three servings per person during the first hour, then adjust for the workshop length and weather. Chill drinks in coolers in advance, and use thermos flasks or serving jugs for drinks that should stay hot or be poured in batches.
Test the Bluetooth speaker, extension cords and power strips at least one day before the workshop. Keep cables away from marked work zones, and set out cones to separate walking routes from the circus stations.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a circus workshop?: At minimum, prepare juggling props, hoops, cones, soft practice balls and crash mats. A varied workshop can also include diabolos, flowersticks, balance boards, stilts, a balance line and gym rings, depending on the activities and instructor plan.
How many circus props should I buy per child?: Aim for one active prop per child at a station, with at least 10% extra where possible. Extra juggling balls, scarves and soft practice balls reduce waiting when equipment is dropped or damaged.
How much food and drink do I need for a circus workshop?: Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, plus water access throughout the session. Portion snacks before the workshop and provide enough reusable cups, plates and cutlery for every participant and leader, with a small spare supply.
When should I check the circus equipment?: Check all equipment three to seven days before the workshop, then do a final safety check on the day. Replace missing or damaged items before setup, and roll out crash mats before the warm-up begins.

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