What to Buy for a Dance Performance
A dance performance needs more than costumes and a stage. You also need a clear audience setup, reliable sound and lighting, a working reception area, and enough supplies for performers and guests. Use the quantities in your event plan as a starting point, then adjust them to your audience size and program length. Check technical equipment early, because missing cables, adapters or backup music can delay the entire performance.
What to bring
Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.
Furniture
- Audience chairsqty 110
- Foldable tablesqty 8
- Reception desk
- Coat racksqty 4
- Changing room chairsqty 20
- Clothes racksqty 6
- Waste binsqty 8
Equipment
- Active speakersqty 2
- Mixer
- Wireless microphonesqty 2
- Microphone standsqty 2
- Audio cablesqty 6
- Laptop
- USB backupqty 2
- Power stripsqty 8
- Extension cordsqty 10
- Gaffer tapeqty 6
Lighting
- LED spotlightsqty 6
- Light standsqty 2
- Light filtersqty 12
Decorations
- Theater curtainsqty 2
- Decorative fabricqty 4
- String lightsqty 6
- Flower arrangementsqty 6
- Program standsqty 4
- Directional signsqty 8
- Name badgesqty 30
Tableware
- Coffee cupsqty 60
- Drinking glassesqty 120
- Dessert platesqty 120
- Cutlery setsqty 120
- Serving plattersqty 12
- Serving tongsqty 8
- Coffee potsqty 4
- Water jugsqty 8
Kitchen
- Cutting boardsqty 4
- Chef's knivesqty 4
- Coolersqty 4
- Thermos flasksqty 4
- Kettlesqty 2
- Serving plattersqty 12
Cleaning
- Bucketsqty 4
- Mopsqty 4
- Broom setsqty 3
- Microfiber clothsqty 20
- Glovesqty 12
- Laundry basketsqty 6
Catering
- Groceries
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Sparkling water - 12 bottles
- Still water - 18 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 liters
- Orange juice - 6 liters
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Mints - 1 box
- Lemons - 8 pieces
- Mini waffle cookies - 6 packs
- Butter cookies - 6 packs
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Salty sticks - 4 bags
- Mixed nuts - 3 bags
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Mini wraps - 120 pieces
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Turkey breast - 1,5 kilo
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Arugula - 6 bags
- Herb cheese - 4 tubs
- Vegetarian wraps - 40 pieces
- Gluten-free crackers - 4 packs
- Vegan cookies - 4 packs
- Paper napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper cups - 150 pieces
- Stir sticks - 200 pieces
- Sugar sachets - 200 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 30 pieces
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
Paper goods
- Program bookletsqty 130
- Admission ticketsqty 120
- Registration formsqty 40
- Pensqty 20
- Sticky notesqty 6
Clothing
- Clothing coversqty 40
- Clothes hangersqty 80
- Mirrorsqty 4
- Clothes brushesqty 4
Other
- Prop boxesqty 8
- Storage boxesqty 10
- Hand trucksqty 2
- Safety scissorsqty 4
Tips
- Plan roughly 2–3 drinks per guest for the first hour, then 1–2 additional drinks for each following hour. Buy extra water for performers, especially if the program involves several groups.
- Allow one audience chair per expected attendee, plus 5–10% spare chairs for late additions or damaged seating. Put changing-room chairs and clothes racks backstage before the groups arrive.
- Prepare at least two copies of every music file: one on the performance laptop and one USB backup. Test every file in the actual sound setup before the event, including the mixer, speakers and wireless microphones.
- Bring enough extension cords, power strips and audio cables to keep cables away from walkways. Use gaffer tape to secure each cable run and pack spare batteries for wireless microphones if they use them.
- Buy or print directional signs, name badges and program materials at least 2–3 days ahead. Set aside extra signs and 10% more programs than your expected audience so the reception desk does not run short.
Frequently asked questions
- What do I need to buy for a dance performance?
- Plan supplies for four areas: audience and reception, refreshments, backstage changing, and sound and lighting. Common items include drinking glasses, coffee cups, dessert plates, signs, name badges, cables, power strips, gaffer tape and a USB backup for the music.
- How many drinks should I buy for a dance performance?
- Allow 2–3 drinks per guest during the first hour and 1–2 per guest for every additional hour. Keep water available for both the audience and performers, and chill the drinks several hours before doors open.
- How many programs and name badges do I need?
- Prepare one program for each expected attendee, then add 10% spare copies. Make one name badge for every performer, staff member and volunteer, and prepare the badges at least 1 day before the performance.
- When should I check the sound and lighting equipment?
- Check the dance floor, speakers, mixer, microphones, cables and LED spotlights at least 1 day before the event. Run a complete music test with the actual laptop, USB backup and lighting setup before the audience enters.
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