What you need for a contemporary dance performance

A contemporary dance performance needs more than a clear stage and a sound system. You also need an organised audience route, practical backstage furniture, reliable playback equipment and enough refreshments for the full audience. Use this shopping list to gather serving items, lighting, cables, seating and catering supplies before setup day. Check technical equipment early, and keep backup audio and lighting available so a missing cable or failed laptop does not delay the performance.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Stackable chairsqty 160
Foldable tablesqty 12
Bar stoolsqty 6
Entrance desk
Coat racksqty 4
Dressing room tablesqty 3
Changing room chairsqty 12

Equipment

Active speakersqty 2
Audio mixer
Wireless microphoneqty 2
Laptop for music
Backup laptop
Audio and power cables
Power stripsqty 8
Extension cordsqty 8
Clothes hangersqty 180
Ticket scannerqty 2
Power banksqty 4

Lighting

LED spotlightsqty 8
Light standsqty 4
Battery lampsqty 8
Flashlightsqty 4

Tableware

Water glassesqty 180
Wine glassesqty 120
Coffee cupsqty 100
Platesqty 180
Dessert platesqty 160
Forksqty 180
Knivesqty 160
Spoonsqty 120
Serving plattersqty 16
Serving spoonsqty 12

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 6
Coolersqty 6
Ice cube traysqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 6
Serving tongsqty 8
Aluminum foilqty 2
Food storage containersqty 12

Decorations

Black drapesqty 8
Tableclothsqty 12
Flower arrangementsqty 8
Directional signsqty 10
Program boardsqty 4

Cleaning

Vacuum cleanerqty 2
Mop setsqty 3
Bucketsqty 4
Cleaning glovesqty 12
Waste binsqty 10

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Chocolate milk - 6 liters
- Semi-skimmed milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Coffee cream - 4 tubs
- White sugar - 2 packs
- Sweetener - 1 box
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Tonic - 6 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 12 bottles
- Still mineral water - 18 bottles
- Apple juice - 8 liters
- Orange juice - 8 liters
- Alcohol-free beer - 48 bottles
- Pilsner - 72 bottles
- White wine - 12 bottles
- Red wine - 8 bottles
- Rosé wine - 6 bottles
- Lemons - 2 kilos
- Limes - 1 kilo
- Fresh mint - 6 bunches
- Ice cubes - 20 kilo
- Bread rolls - 180 pieces
- Mini wraps - 120 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- White bread - 6 loaves
- Butter - 1 kilo
- Cream cheese - 2 kilo
- Hummus - 2 kilos
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Brie - 2 kilos
- Smoked chicken breast - 2 kilo
- Grilled vegetables - 2 kilos
- Arugula - 1 kilo
- Cucumbers - 3 kilos
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Bell peppers - 2 kilos
- Olives - 2 kilos
- Pesto sauce - 1 kilo
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Mixed nuts - 4 kilos
- Salty crackers - 8 packs
- Rice cakes - 6 packs
- Grapes - 6 kilos
- Apples - 6 kilos
- Bananas - 4 kilos
- Mini pastries - 180 pieces
- Brownies - 120 pieces
- Vegan cookies - 8 packs
- Gluten-free crackers - 6 packs
- Gluten-free rolls - 20 pieces
- Vegan wraps - 30 pieces
- Vegan cheese - 1 kilo
- Halal chicken breast - 1 kilo
- Herb mix - 4 jars
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper cups - 250 pieces
- Stirrers - 300 pieces
- Sugar packets - 300 pieces
- Coffee filters - 2 packs
- Trash bags - 60 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 6 packs
- Hand soap - 6 dispensers
- Paper towels - 12 packs

Tips

Plan around two to three drinks per guest for the first hour, then adjust for the expected length of the event. Buy water, wine or other drinks only after checking the registration numbers and dietary requirements.
Count chairs against the confirmed guest list, then add a small buffer of about 5% for late arrivals or seating changes. Keep a separate route to the entrance desk, coat racks and performance space.
Test the active speakers, audio mixer, wireless microphone, laptop and backup laptop at least 24 hours before the performance. Pack audio cables, power strips and extension cords together rather than searching for them during setup.
Use one LED spotlight or suitable light source for each key performance area, and keep battery lamps or flashlights available for dark corridors and backstage movement. Check power access before placing light stands.
Set aside serving platters, serving spoons, glasses, cups, plates and cutlery before fresh catering arrives. Chill fresh items several hours before doors open, while non-perishable supplies can be set up the day before.

Frequently asked questions

What should I buy for a contemporary dance performance?: Plan supplies for four areas: audience seating and registration, refreshments, technical equipment and backstage use. Typical items include chairs, tables, glasses, plates, cutlery, speakers, cables, lighting and a backup laptop.
How many drinks do I need per guest?: Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then add roughly one drink per person for each additional hour. Confirm the final quantity after registrations close and dietary requirements are collected.
How many chairs should I prepare for the audience?: Prepare one chair per confirmed guest and add about 5% extra capacity. For 80 registered guests, that means 84 chairs, provided the room layout and fire-safety limits allow it.
When should I test the sound and lighting equipment?: Run a full sound and lighting check at least 24 hours before the performance, then repeat a short test on the day. Test the main laptop, backup laptop, speakers, mixer, microphone, cables and power connections.

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