What to buy for a contemporary dance performance
A contemporary dance performance needs more than a stage and seats. Plan supplies for the audience area, reception, refreshments, technical setup, lighting and performer changing spaces. This shopping list includes reusable cups, serving equipment, speakers, microphones, LED spotlights, cable reels and practical venue items. Check what the venue and dance company already provide before buying, especially technical equipment and furniture.
What to bring
Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.
Furniture
- Chairsqty 180
- Bistro tablesqty 12
- Entrance table
- Clothes racksqty 2
- Changing room chairsqty 12
- Waste binsqty 8
Tableware
- Reusable cupsqty 220
- Wine glassesqty 180
- Coffee cupsqty 60
- Platesqty 180
- Cutlery setsqty 180
- Serving plattersqty 16
- Serving tongsqty 8
Equipment
- Laptop for music
- Audio interface
- Speakersqty 2
- Mixer
- Microphonesqty 2
- Microphone standsqty 2
- Headphones
- USB sticksqty 2
Lighting
- LED spotlightsqty 6
- Light standsqty 3
- Light controller
- Extension cordsqty 8
- Cable reelsqty 3
Decorations
- Announcement boardqty 2
- Stage drapesqty 4
- Table runnersqty 12
- Vasesqty 12
- LED candlesqty 24
- Arrow stickersqty 30
Kitchen
- Coffee machinesqty 2
- Kettlesqty 2
- Thermos flasksqty 6
- Coolersqty 4
- Cutting boardsqty 4
- Knivesqty 6
- Serving spoonsqty 8
- Kitchen glovesqty 4
Cleaning
- Bucketsqty 3
- Mopsqty 3
- Broom setsqty 2
- Microfiber clothsqty 12
- Toilet brushesqty 3
Catering
- Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea selection - 200 bags
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Sparkling water - 12 bottles
- Still water - 24 bottles
- Apple juice - 8 cartons
- Orange juice - 8 packs
- Lemons - 3 kilos
- Fresh mint - 8 bunches
- Herbal tea - 100 bags
- Stir sticks - 250 pieces
- Napkins - 400 pieces
- Mini quiches - 180 pieces
- Vegetarian samosas - 120 pieces
- Vegan vegetable wraps - 80 pieces
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cucumbers - 12 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 4 kilos
- Grapes - 5 kilos
- Apples - 60 pieces
- Bananas - 40 pieces
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Mixed nuts - 4 kilos
- Gluten-free crackers - 6 packs
- Rice cakes - 6 packs
- Chocolate cookies - 8 packs
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 2 bottles
- Floor cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 6 packs
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Freezer bags - 2 boxes
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
Tips
- Count one chair per expected audience member, then add 5–10% extra for late changes or damaged seating. Provide separate seating for performers and crew in the changing area.
- For a reception, allow two reusable cups per guest if you are serving drinks before and after the performance. Add enough wine glasses, coffee cups, plates and cutlery for the full programme rather than relying on one shared set.
- Confirm the technical specification with the dance company at least 2–3 weeks before the performance. Check whether the venue already has speakers, a mixer, microphones, LED spotlights, stands and a lighting controller.
- Bring at least two USB sticks containing the music and show files, and keep one with the technical operator. Test the laptop, audio interface, headphones and all cables during the technical rehearsal, not when the audience is arriving.
- Prepare the entrance and backstage areas before doors open: set up the entrance table, announcement board, clothing racks, changing-room chairs and waste bins. Put serving platters and tongs with the catering before guests arrive so volunteers are not searching for them.
Frequently asked questions
- What do I need for a contemporary dance performance?
- You typically need audience seating, an entrance table, waste bins, reusable cups and serving tableware, plus the agreed sound and lighting equipment. Confirm the exact technical list with the dance company 2–3 weeks before the show.
- How many chairs should I prepare for a dance performance?
- Prepare one chair per expected guest and add 5–10% extra if the room allows it. For 100 guests, that means 105–110 chairs, with separate chairs reserved for performers and crew.
- How many cups and glasses do I need for the reception?
- Allow two reusable cups per guest for drinks served before and after the performance. If wine is served, plan at least one wine glass per expected wine drinker, plus 10% extra for replacements.
- When should I test the sound and lighting equipment?
- Complete a full sound and lighting test during the technical rehearsal, ideally 1–2 days before the performance. Test the laptop, audio interface, mixer, speakers, microphones, LED spotlights, controller, extension cords and cable reels together.
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