What you need for an illusion show
An illusion show needs more than chairs and refreshments. You also need a clear stage area, reliable sound, controlled lighting and safe cable routing so every guest can see and hear the performance. This shopping list covers audience seating, serving supplies, coffee equipment, decorations, directional signs and the technical items commonly forgotten until setup day. Check the illusionist’s technical requirements before buying or borrowing equipment, especially microphones, speakers and stage lights.
What to bring
Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.
Furniture
- Chairsqty 70
- Tablesqty 8
- Folding table for equipment
- Coat rackqty 2
- Clothes hangersqty 80
- Barrier postsqty 6
Tableware
- Reusable drinking glassesqty 80
- Coffee cupsqty 50
- Dessert platesqty 80
- Cutlery setsqty 80
- Serving plattersqty 10
- Serving tongsqty 6
Equipment
- Active speakersqty 2
- Mixer
- Wireless microphonesqty 2
- Microphone standsqty 2
- Laptop for music
- Extension cordsqty 6
- Power stripsqty 6
- Cable matsqty 8
- Illusion props
- Storage cratesqty 3
Lighting
- LED spotlightsqty 4
- Stage lightsqty 2
- Atmosphere lightsqty 8
Decorations
- Backdrop cloth
- Buntingqty 8
- Tableclothsqty 8
- Decorative playing cardsqty 4
- Directional signsqty 8
Catering
- Coffee makerqty 2
- Kettlesqty 2
- Thermos flasksqty 4
- Coolersqty 4
- Drink dispensersqty 2
- Serving trays with lidsqty 6
- Ice packsqty 12
- Napkin holderqty 4
- Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Tea assortment - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Sweetener - 1 box
- Coffee creamer - 4 packs
- Semi-skimmed milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Tonic - 4 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 6 bottles
- Still mineral water - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Ice cubes - 8 bags
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Tortilla chips - 3 bags
- Salsa - 3 jars
- Salted peanuts - 2 bags
- Olives - 3 jars
- Mixed nuts - 2 bags
- Cucumber - 4 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 trays
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Bananas - 20 pieces
- Cheese cubes - 2 kilos
- Brie - 4 pieces
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Crackers - 6 packs
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Herb butter - 4 tubs
- Mini wraps - 6 packs
- Vegetarian spread - 4 tubs
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Cocktail sauce - 1 bottle
- Lemons - 10 pieces
- Fresh mint - 4 bunches
- Cocktail sticks - 2 boxes
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Liquid hand soap - 4 bottles
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Cleaning spray - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 2 packs
- Microfiber cloths - 2 packs
- Garbage bags - 3 rolls
- Paper towels - 4 packs
Cleaning
- Vacuum cleaner
- Mop and bucketqty 2
- Waste binsqty 6
Tips
- Plan one chair per registered guest, then add a small buffer if the venue allows it. Arrange seating so sightlines to the stage remain clear, including for guests at the back.
- Provide at least one reusable drinking glass per guest, plus coffee cups, dessert plates and cutlery sets for the catering service. Add serving platters and serving tongs rather than placing food directly on tables.
- Do not leave sound equipment until the day of the show. Confirm whether you need active speakers, a mixer, wireless microphones and microphone stands, then test every microphone and cable before doors open.
- Count extension cords and power strips against the venue’s available sockets, and use cable mats anywhere guests or staff may cross a cable route. Keep the loading and unloading area clear during setup.
- Prepare directional signs before guests arrive, especially for the entrance, cloakroom and seating area. Set up the coat rack with enough hangers for the expected audience and keep barrier posts available for managing queues or restricted areas.
Frequently asked questions
- What equipment do I need for an illusion show?
- At minimum, plan for active speakers, a mixer, wireless microphones, microphone stands, a laptop for music, extension cords, power strips and cable mats. The exact setup depends on the illusionist’s technical requirements, so confirm those before purchasing or hiring equipment.
- How many chairs and glasses do I need for an illusion show?
- Use one chair and one reusable drinking glass per registered guest, with a small spare quantity if space and budget allow. For catering, also count coffee cups, dessert plates and cutlery sets for every guest who will be served.
- When should I set up the lighting for an illusion show?
- Install and test the LED spotlights, stage lights and atmosphere lights before the audience enters, ideally during the venue setup period on the same day. Leave enough time to adjust brightness without shining lights into the audience’s eyes or blocking the performance.
- What should I buy for drinks and snacks at an illusion show?
- Buy reusable drinking glasses, coffee cups, serving platters and serving tongs, and arrange the coffee maker and kettles before guests arrive. Confirm final attendance and dietary requirements before ordering catering, preferably several days in advance.
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