What you need for a comedy show

A comedy show needs more than chairs and a microphone. This shopping list covers drinks, snacks, buffet supplies, tableware, registration equipment and the technical items that are easy to overlook. Plan quantities around your guest count, performers and show length. Check cables, power strips and spare serving equipment before shopping, because replacing technical or catering items on the day is rarely easy.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Chairsqty 70
High tablesqty 6
Buffet tablesqty 3
Registration desk
Artist table

Tableware

Water glassesqty 80
Wine glassesqty 60
Coffee cupsqty 70
Coffee spoonsqty 70
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Serving traysqty 8

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef's knivesqty 3
Storage binsqty 8
Coolersqty 4

Equipment

Wireless microphonesqty 2
Speakersqty 2
Audio mixer
Microphone standsqty 2
Audio cablesqty 4
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 4

Lighting

LED spotlightsqty 4
Mood lightingqty 4

Decorations

Balloonsqty 100
Buntingqty 8
Table décorqty 8
Arrows and room signsqty 12
Name badgesqty 70
Markersqty 8

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Bucketsqty 3
Floor squeegeesqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Cleaning clothsqty 12

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea assortment - 120 bags
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Sweetener - 1 box
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Spa Blue - 60 bottles
- Spa Rood - 30 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Tonic - 6 bottles
- Beer - 120 bottles
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- White wine - 12 bottles
- Red wine - 6 bottles
- Prosecco - 6 bottles
- Ice cubes - 15 kilos
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Toast squares - 10 packs
- Hummus - 8 tubs
- Cream cheese - 6 tubs
- Brie - 3 kilo
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Grapes - 6 kilos
- Apples - 60 pieces
- Cucumber - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 4 kilos
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 8 bags
- Salsa - 6 jars
- Mixed nuts - 4 kilos
- Olives - 3 kg
- Mini meatballs - 5 kilos
- Vegetarian bitterballen - 4 kilo
- Bitterballen - 5 kilo
- Mustard - 3 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 3 bottles
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Cocktail picks - 500 pieces
- Paper napkins - 500 pieces
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 50 pieces
- Hand soap - 6 dispensers
- Paper towels - 8 packs

Tips

Plan two to three drinks per guest for the first hour, then one drink per person for each additional hour. Include water for performers and keep it available at the artist table.
For a 90-minute show, allow one plate and one cutlery set per guest, plus at least 10% extra. Add serving trays, storage bins and cutting boards so snacks can be replenished without using guest tableware.
Allow one coffee cup and spoon per coffee drinker, then add 10% spare cups. If coffee is served throughout the evening, prepare at least one coffee machine or kettle for every 40 to 50 guests.
Pack one wireless microphone, one microphone stand and the required audio cables as a working set, then test them before guests arrive. Bring extension cords and power strips long enough to reach the stage and mixer safely.
Keep a separate box for registration supplies and a separate box for stage equipment. Check both at least 24 hours before the show, especially speakers, the audio mixer, LED spotlights and spare power connections.

Frequently asked questions

How many drinks do I need for a comedy show?: Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour and one additional drink per person for every hour after that. Add water for every performer and keep a small reserve for late arrivals.
How much tableware should I buy for a comedy show?: Prepare one plate, one cutlery set and one glass per guest, then add at least 10% extra. For 100 guests, that means 110 plates, cutlery sets and drinking glasses.
What sound equipment is needed for a comedy show?: At minimum, provide a wireless microphone, microphone stand, speakers, audio mixer, audio cables, extension cords and power strips. Test the complete setup at least 2 hours before doors open.
When should I buy drinks and snacks for a comedy show?: Buy shelf-stable drinks and snacks at least 2 to 3 days before the show. Chill drinks on the day itself, preferably 4 to 6 hours before guests arrive, and prepare fresh snacks as late as practical.

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