How to organise a burlesque show

A burlesque show needs more than performers and a stage. Start by securing the venue, date and programme, then book the acts and collect their technical requirements before opening ticket sales. Build the evening around a detailed run sheet, with time for doors, performances, changes and breaks. The details most often missed are a suitable dressing room, reliable stage lighting, enough glasses and a clear handover for sound and equipment.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

1
Reserve venue
2
Set the date and program
2 people
3
Book performers
2 people
4
Request technical requirements
5
Check permits
6
Make reservations
7
Develop the run sheet
2 people
8
Send invitations
2 people
9
Open ticket sales
10
Send artist information
11
Process registrations
2 people
12
Collect dietary requirements
13
Confirm tech delivery
14
Order catering
15
Order decorations
16
Check artist list
17
Process final dietary requests
18
Do the shopping
3 people
19
Chill drinks
2 people
20
Prepare snacks
3 people
21
Print the ticket list
22
Print the run sheet

Event

23
Open venue
2 people
24
Unload equipment
3 people
25
Set up the stage
4 people
26
Connect sound equipment
2 people
27
Set up lighting equipment
2 people
28
Test microphones
2 people
29
Test music playback
30
Set up tables
3 people
31
Set up chairs
3 people
32
Set up the bar
2 people
33
Set out tableware
2 people
34
Hang up decorations
3 people
35
Set up changing rooms
2 people
36
Set up catering
3 people
37
Welcome performers
2 people
38
Give the artist briefing
2 people
39
Run the sound check
3 people
40
Program the light show
2 people
41
Set up the entrance booth
2 people
42
Welcome guests
4 people
43
Check tickets
2 people
44
Serve welcome drinks
2 people
45
Serve snacks
3 people
46
Announce the show
47
Support the show
2 people
48
Operate sound and lighting
2 people
49
Refill drinks
2 people
50
Collect glasses and crockery
2 people
51
Serve break drinks
3 people
52
Artist support
2 people
53
See guests off
2 people
54
Close the register
2 people

Aftercare

55
Switch off the equipment
2 people
56
Remove decorations
3 people
57
Tear down stage
4 people
58
Put furniture back
3 people
59
Wash dishes
3 people
60
Collect waste
2 people
61
Clean the venue
3 people
62
Sort inventory
2 people
63
Return equipment
2 people
64
Clear away leftover catering
2 people

What to bring

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

Furniture

Cocktail tablesqty 8
Dining tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 100
Bar
Dressing room racksqty 4
Changing room chairsqty 12
Dressing room tablesqty 4
Stage sectionsqty 12
Red carpet

Tableware

Wine glassesqty 120
Water glassesqty 120
Champagne glassesqty 100
Coffee cupsqty 60
Platesqty 120
Cake platesqty 100
Forksqty 120
Knivesqty 120
Spoonsqty 80
Serving plattersqty 16
Serving utensilsqty 16

Equipment

Speakersqty 2
Mixer
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Microphone standsqty 2
Music player
Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 8
Gaffer tapeqty 4

Lighting

Stage spotlightsqty 6
Light standsqty 4
LED string lightsqty 6
Battery lampsqty 10

Decorations

Red curtainsqty 2
Sequin backdrop
Tableclothsqty 14
Napkin ringsqty 100
Theater masksqty 12
Menusqty 100
Name badgesqty 120

Kitchen

Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4
Corkscrewsqty 4
Bottle openersqty 4
Ice bucketsqty 4
Serving tongsqty 12
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 6
Storage binsqty 12

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 4
Mopsqty 4
Broom setsqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 3
Toilet brushesqty 3
Cleaning glovesqty 8
Waste binsqty 8

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Book the venue and performers before promoting the show. Ask each artist for technical requirements, arrival time, music format and dressing-room needs, then combine the answers in one production document.
Plan the run sheet in minutes, not just in show order. Include venue opening, equipment unloading, stage setup, sound and lighting checks, performer changes, doors, breaks and a final clear-down time.
Check permits and venue restrictions early, ideally before ticket sales open. Confirm whether amplified music, late hours, alcohol service, catering or temporary staging require approval, and allow at least two weeks for follow-up.
Treat the dressing room as part of the production. Provide racks, chairs and tables, keep performer access separate from the audience route, and send artist information to the venue team before show day.
Prepare the guest experience alongside the show. Collect dietary requirements during registration, print the ticket list and run sheet, chill drinks before doors, and count glasses, plates and serving utensils before catering arrives.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I book a burlesque show venue?: Start looking at least 3 to 6 months before the intended date, especially if you need a stage, dressing room and evening access. Confirm the date only after checking the venue’s technical limits, permit requirements and setup window.
How long does it take to organise a burlesque show?: Allow roughly 8 to 12 weeks for a small show and 3 to 6 months for a larger programme. Performer availability, permits, ticket sales and technical planning usually take longer than ordering decorations or drinks.
What should be included in a burlesque show run sheet?: Include every timed handover, from venue opening and equipment unloading to soundcheck, lighting checks, doors, each act, breaks and clear-down. Leave at least 15 minutes of buffer around setup and performer changes so one delay does not affect the whole programme.
When should I open ticket sales for a burlesque show?: Open sales once the venue, date, programme and main performers are confirmed, usually 4 to 8 weeks before the show. Keep a registration list and collect dietary requirements at the same time, then print the final ticket list after the closing date.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.