How to organise a cabaret workshop

A cabaret workshop needs more than a room and a few exercises. Start by fixing the venue, workshop leader and timetable, then manage registrations and collect dietary requirements before ordering catering. The room should support movement rather than a formal stage, with tables and chairs placed around a clear play area. Test the speaker, wired microphones, laptop and HDMI connection before participants arrive, and allow time to prepare materials, refreshments and the reception desk.

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
Assign workshop leader
3
Send invitations
2 people
4
Process registrations
5
Update participant list
6
Collect dietary requirements
7
Confirm the program and times
8
Send participant information
9
Order catering
10
Test the equipment
2 people
11
Setting up activities and exercises
2 people
12
Check the shopping list
13
Do the shopping
2 people
14
Collect materials
2 people
15
Confirm participants again

Event

16
Open venue
2 people
17
Ventilate room
18
Set up tables and chairs
3 people
19
Creating a stage-free play area
2 people
20
Set up equipment
2 people
21
Lay out work materials
2 people
22
Set up catering
2 people
23
Set up the reception desk
24
Receive participants
3 people
25
Explain the program
26
Leading warm-up exercises
2 people
27
Guide the writing assignment
2 people
28
Serve break drinks
2 people
29
Lead improvisation exercises
2 people
30
Serve dinner
4 people
31
Refill drinks
2 people
32
Prepare cabaret acts
2 people
33
Guide the performances
3 people
34
Lead the feedback round
2 people
35
See participants off
2 people

Aftercare

36
Store leftovers in the fridge
2 people
37
Dismantle materials and equipment
3 people
38
Collect waste
2 people
39
Wash dishes
2 people
40
Clean the room
3 people
41
Put tables and chairs back
3 people
42
Store equipment safely
2 people
43
Return keys and materials

What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 45
Coat rack
Stoolsqty 6

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 50
Reusable bowlsqty 50
Reusable glassesqty 60
Coffee cupsqty 50
Reusable cutleryqty 50
Serving plattersqty 8
Pitcherqty 4

Equipment

Portable speaker
Wired microphonesqty 2
Microphone standsqty 2
Power stripsqty 4
Extension cordsqty 4
Laptop
HDMI cable
Timerqty 2

Kitchen

Kettlesqty 2
Coffee maker
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coolersqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 4
Serving tongsqty 4
Serving spoonsqty 4
Aluminum foil

Decorations

Name badgesqty 50
Tableclothqty 8
Welcome sign
Directional signsqty 8
Markers for name tagsqty 12
Sticky tackqty 4
Painter's tapeqty 6

Lighting

LED work lightsqty 2
Atmosphere lightsqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Bucketsqty 2
Floor mopsqty 2
Broom and dustpanqty 2
Hand brush and dustpanqty 2
Washing-up tubsqty 2
Tea towelsqty 12
Microfiber clothsqty 12

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Confirm the workshop length and breaks before sending invitations. Participants need the exact arrival time, finish time and what to bring; send this information again after registrations close.
Set a registration deadline at least 7 days before the workshop. Use the final participant list to confirm dietary requirements, name badges, seating needs and the amount of catering.
Create a stage-free play area before arranging the rest of the room. Leave enough open space for group exercises, while keeping chairs, stools and tables close enough for discussion and breaks.
Test the portable speaker, wired microphones, microphone stands, laptop, HDMI cable, power strips and extension cords at least 60 minutes before opening. A working microphone is not enough if the laptop connection or cable fails.
Prepare coffee, tea and cold drinks before reception starts, using thermos flasks and coolers where needed. Put reusable plates, bowls, glasses, cups and cutlery in one serving area so the workshop leader does not have to interrupt exercises.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a cabaret workshop?: Fix the venue and workshop leader at least 4 to 6 weeks ahead. Send invitations once the programme and timings are confirmed, then close registrations about 7 days before the workshop.
How long should a cabaret workshop be?: Plan a clear start and finish time with breaks included; a practical schedule usually needs at least 3 hours for exercises, explanations and reflection. Confirm the final timetable with the workshop leader before informing participants.
What should I check before participants arrive at a cabaret workshop?: Allow 60 to 90 minutes for ventilation, room setup, equipment testing, materials and catering. Check the participant list, name badges, dietary requirements, microphones, HDMI connection, speaker and timer before opening the reception desk.
How do I arrange the room for a cabaret workshop?: Create one open, stage-free play area first, then place chairs, stools and tables around it. Finish the setup at least 30 minutes before arrival so you can make changes without delaying reception.

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.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

Organize for free and invite your contacts!