What you need for an opera performance
An opera performance needs more than chairs and a printed programme. Your shopping list must cover the foyer, cloakroom, refreshments, ticket checks and the practical work between arrival and curtain call. Use the confirmed visitor count to calculate drinks, cups, plates and cutlery, then check what the venue already owns before buying anything. Allow extra time for items that are easy to overlook, such as coat hangers, extension cords, route signs and equipment for serving coffee.
What to bring
Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.
Furniture
- Chairsqty 140
- Tablesqty 12
- Coat racksqty 2
- Foldable tablesqty 4
- Bollardsqty 6
- Clothes hangersqty 160
Tableware
- Wine glassesqty 140
- Water glassesqty 140
- Coffee cupsqty 100
- Platesqty 140
- Cutlery setsqty 140
- Serving traysqty 12
- Serving tongsqty 8
Equipment
- Coffee machinesqty 3
- Kettlesqty 3
- Coolersqty 4
- Cash register
- Card machinesqty 2
- Flashlightsqty 6
- Extension cordsqty 6
Decorations
- Tableclothsqty 12
- Flower arrangementsqty 8
- Decorative clothsqty 6
- Program boardsqty 4
Kitchen
- Cutting boardsqty 4
- Chef's knifeqty 3
- Bowlsqty 12
- Measuring cupsqty 3
- Serving plattersqty 12
Cleaning
- Vacuum cleanerqty 2
- Mopsqty 3
- Bucketsqty 3
- Cleaning clothsqty 20
- Rubber glovesqty 6
Catering
- Programsqty 150
- Ticketsqty 150
- Name stickersqty 150
- Pensqty 20
- Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- White beer - 24 bottles
- Red wine - 12 bottles
- White wine - 12 bottles
- Prosecco - 8 bottles
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemons - 2 kilos
- Ice cubes - 10 kilos
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Butter - 1 kilo
- Cream cheese - 1 kilo
- Hummus - 1 kilo
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Brie - 1 kilo
- Grapes - 5 kilos
- Apples - 5 kilo
- Pears - 4 kg
- Cucumber - 3 kilos
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Salted crackers - 10 packs
- Olives - 2 kilos
- Mixed nuts - 2 kilos
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Paper napkins - 300 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 36 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Toilet cleaner - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 6 dispensers
- Hand sanitizer - 4 bottles
Tips
- Plan refreshments by service period: allow roughly two to three drinks per guest for the first hour, then adjust for the interval and the expected length of the performance.
- Match tableware to your catering method. For a seated or plated service, provide at least one plate and cutlery set per guest, plus around 10% extra for replacements.
- Set up the cloakroom before doors open. Allow one hanger per coat and keep spare hangers available, especially if the performance takes place in colder weather.
- Check every powered item at least one day before the event. Count sockets, extension cords, coffee machines, kettles, coolers and card machines so the foyer setup does not depend on last-minute borrowing.
- Prepare visitor-facing materials in separate bundles: tickets or wristbands, programmes, programme boards and route signs. Print or pack at least 5% extra programmes and keep the surplus at the entrance.
Frequently asked questions
- How many drinks do I need for an opera performance?
- For the first hour, plan on two to three drinks per guest, then add enough for the interval. Use the confirmed attendance figure and include about 10% extra so volunteers are not forced to restock during the event.
- How many programmes should I print for an opera performance?
- Print one programme per expected visitor, plus at least 5% extra. For 200 guests, that means 210 programmes; increase the buffer if walk-in attendance is possible.
- What do I need for the cloakroom at an opera performance?
- Prepare one clothes hanger per expected coat and provide at least 10% spare hangers. You will also need a clearly marked cloakroom area, signs and enough racks for the busiest arrival period.
- When should I check the equipment for an opera performance?
- Check coffee machines, kettles, coolers, card machines, extension cords and lighting equipment at least one day beforehand. Do a second check when the venue opens, before guests enter the foyer.
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