What you need for a musical

A musical needs more than costumes and a stage. You’ll need practical supplies for performers, audience seating, sound, lighting, signage and refreshments. Plan quantities around your cast, crew and audience size, then check what the venue already provides. The items below cover common gaps, including extension cords, gaffer tape, coat hangers, printed materials and serving equipment that are easy to arrange too late.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Chairsqty 180
Foldable tablesqty 10
Coat racksqty 3
Clothes hangersqty 180
Dressing room tablesqty 6
Stoolsqty 12

Equipment

Wireless microphonesqty 6
Microphone standsqty 4
Speakersqty 2
Mixer
Laptop
Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 6
Gaffer tapeqty 4
Cash boxesqty 2
Cash pouch with change

Lighting

Stage spotlightsqty 6
Light standsqty 3
LED string lightsqty 4

Decorations

Backdropsqty 3
Decorative panelsqty 8
Decorative plantsqty 10
Balloonsqty 100
Balloon ribbonqty 2
Directional signsqty 12

Tableware

Glassesqty 200
Coffee cupsqty 100
Platesqty 200
Cutlery setsqty 200
Serving traysqty 8

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 6
Coolersqty 4
Pliersqty 6
Serving jugsqty 4

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Broom setsqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 kilos
- Tea assortment - 200 bags
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Sweeteners - 200 pieces
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Coffee creamer - 4 packs
- Cola - 24 bottles
- Coke Zero - 24 bottles
- Sinas - 18 bottles
- Lemonade - 10 liters
- Spa Blauw - 60 bottles
- Spa Red - 24 bottles
- Apple juice - 12 liters
- Orange juice - 12 liters
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salty breadsticks - 6 bags
- Mixed nuts - 5 bags
- Popcorn - 5 bags
- Cookies - 12 packs
- Mini waffles - 8 packs
- Brownies - 120 pieces
- Mini muffins - 120 pieces
- Apples - 60 pieces
- Bananas - 40 pieces
- Grapes - 8 kilos
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Vegetarian sandwiches - 40 pieces
- Sandwiches - 80 pieces
- Gluten-free rolls - 10 pieces
- Vegan sandwiches - 20 pieces
- Stirrers - 300 pieces
- Paper napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper cups - 250 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 10 pieces
- Microfiber cloths - 20 pieces
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Paper towels - 6 packs

Tips

Plan at least one chair per audience member, plus a few spare seats for late additions or staff. Confirm the room layout before buying or moving furniture.
Allow one clothes hanger per costume that must be kept separate, and provide dressing-room tables and stools before performers arrive. Label props and costumes at least one day ahead.
For the sound setup, test every wireless microphone, stand, speaker, mixer and laptop at least 2 hours before doors open. Bring extension cords, power strips and gaffer tape for safe cable routing.
Prepare one directional sign for each decision point, such as the entrance, registration area, toilets and hall. Put signs up 30–60 minutes before the audience arrives.
For refreshments, count glasses, coffee cups, plates and cutlery for the expected audience, then add about 10% spare. Set out serving trays, coffee machines and kettles before the reception team is briefed.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for a musical performance?: You need costumes, labelled props, backdrops or decorative panels, printed texts and cue sheets, microphones, speakers, a mixer, lighting and seating. Also prepare signage, program booklets and refreshment supplies before the event day.
How many chairs do I need for a musical audience?: Plan one chair per registered audience member and add 5–10% spare capacity if the room allows it. Keep a few seats available for staff, late registrations or guests with specific seating needs.
How early should I test musical sound and lighting?: Run a full sound and lighting test at least 2 hours before the doors open. Test microphones, music files, speakers, the mixer, spotlights and all power connections with the actual room layout in place.
How many cups and plates do I need for a musical reception?: Start with one cup, plate and cutlery set per expected guest, then add roughly 10% spare. If guests may return for coffee or food, increase the cup and plate allowance to 1.5 per person.

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