Monologue performance checklist: plan it in the right order

A monologue performance needs more than a performer and a stage. This checklist takes you from booking the venue and confirming technical needs to ticketing, audience access, refreshments and the final rehearsal. Use the early steps to lock down anything that depends on other people, then leave setup tasks for the day of the performance. The details that are easiest to miss are usually practical: cables, lighting, dietary requirements, signage and enough time to test the microphone and sound.

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The plan, step by step

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

Preparations

Reserve venue
Confirm performance and venue
Create ticket page
Send invitations
2 people
Promote the Show
2 people
Process registrations
Collect dietary requirements
Check technical requirements
Check accessibility
Print program and tickets
Purchase supplies and catering
2 people
Check purchased materials
Chill drinks
Prepare snacks
2 people
Prepare program

Event

Open venue
2 people
Inspect venue and technical setup
2 people
Set up the stage
3 people
Set up chairs
3 people
Set up the cloakroom
2 people
Connect lighting and sound
2 people
Set up decor and signage
2 people
Set up the reception area
2 people
Set up catering
2 people
Conduct the technical rehearsal
2 people
Welcome the artist
Escort Artist to Dressing Room
Brief front-of-house staff
Open the doors
3 people
Check tickets
2 people
Welcome visitors
2 people
Serve drinks
2 people
Escort audience to the hall
2 people
Support the performance technically
2 people
Refill drinks
Escort the performer afterward
See the crowd off
2 people
Clear catering
2 people

Aftercare

Switch off the equipment
2 people
Remove decorations and signage
2 people
Clear away chairs and tables
3 people
Wash dishes
2 people
Clean the room
3 people
Collect waste
2 people
Return materials
2 people
Keep lost and found items

What to bring

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

Furniture

Chairsqty 90
Stage sections
Acting chair
Side tablesqty 3
Reception desk
Coat racksqty 2
Dressing room chairqty 2

Tableware

Glassesqty 100
Coffee cupsqty 30
Platesqty 30
Teaspoonsqty 30
Serving plattersqty 6

Equipment

Microphone
Microphone stand
Speakerqty 2
Mixer
Laptop
HDMI cableqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 4

Lighting

LED spotlightsqty 4
Work lightsqty 2

Decorations

Black Backdrop Fabricqty 2
Poster framesqty 4
Directional signsqty 6
Clothes hangersqty 100

Kitchen

Thermos flasksqty 4
Coffee maker
Water jugsqty 4
Coolersqty 3

Cleaning

Broomqty 2
Trash binsqty 4
Mop set
Cleaning clothsqty 12

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Confirm the venue’s technical requirements at least 2–3 weeks before the performance. Check the microphone, mixer, speaker, laptop connection, HDMI cable, lighting and available power points rather than assuming the venue supplies everything.
Set a clear deadline for registrations and dietary requirements, ideally 3–5 days before the event. This gives you time to plan snacks, drinks, plates, glasses and serving platters without making last-minute purchases.
Allow at least 2 hours for show-day setup. Position the stage sections and acting chair first, then arrange the audience chairs, reception desk, cloakroom, catering area, signage, backdrop and lighting.
Schedule a technical rehearsal 60–90 minutes before doors open. Test the microphone at performance volume, check every cable and power strip, confirm the lighting, and make sure the performer can enter and leave the stage safely.
Prepare the audience areas before opening the venue. Chill drinks, fill water jugs, set out coffee cups and teaspoons, place directional signs where guests need them, and keep work lights available for setup and pack-down.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a monologue performance?: Start at least 6–8 weeks ahead. Book the venue and confirm the performance first, then allow time for ticketing, invitations, promotion, registrations and equipment checks.
How long should a technical rehearsal for a monologue be?: Allow 60–90 minutes before the audience arrives. Include a full microphone and speaker test, lighting check, laptop or HDMI test, and a short run-through from the acting chair or stage.
How many chairs do I need for a monologue performance?: Prepare one chair for each confirmed guest, plus 5–10% extra if the room allows. Keep clear access routes and reserve suitable space for guests who need step-free access.
When should I collect dietary requirements for the performance?: Ask when people register and set a final deadline 3–5 days before the event. Use the responses to plan snacks and drinks, then check the purchased catering before the venue opens.

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