What you need for an opera performance

An opera performance needs more than costumes, scores and a stage. This shopping list covers the practical items that keep the audience comfortable, the foyer organised and performers ready backstage. Plan seating and coat storage before guests arrive, and check how many serving points you need for drinks and refreshments. Technical details are easy to overlook: extension cords, power strips, music stands and flashlights should be ready before the first rehearsal in the venue.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Stackable chairsqty 180
Cocktail tablesqty 12
Buffet tablesqty 6
Coat racksqty 4
Clothes hangersqty 220
Dressing room tablesqty 6
Changing room chairsqty 12

Tableware

Wine glassesqty 180
Water glassesqty 180
Coffee cupsqty 120
Platesqty 120
Pastry platesqty 180
Pastry forksqty 180
Teaspoonsqty 120
Serving tongsqty 12
Serving plattersqty 20

Catering

Ice cube traysqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 8
Drink dispensersqty 4
Serving trays with lidsqty 12
Coolersqty 6
Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilograms
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemon - 2 kilogram
- Spa Blauw - 120 bottles
- Sparkling water - 60 bottles
- Cola - 24 bottles
- Coke Zero - 24 bottles
- Orange soda - 12 bottles
- Apple juice - 12 liters
- Orange juice - 12 liters
- White wine - 18 bottles
- Red wine - 12 bottles
- Alcohol-free wine - 6 bottles
- Beer - 72 bottles
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Ice cubes - 20 kilograms
- Water carafes - 20 pieces
- Baguettes - 18 pieces
- Unsalted butter - 2 kilograms
- Cream cheese - 2 kilograms
- Hummus - 2 kilograms
- Mild cheese - 3 kilograms
- Brie - 2 kilograms
- Grapes - 6 kilograms
- Apples - 60 pieces
- Pears - 40 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Cucumber - 12 pieces
- Paprika chips - 12 bags
- Plain chips - 12 bags
- Mixed nuts - 3 kilograms
- Olives - 3 kilograms
- Herb crackers - 12 packs
- Gluten-free crackers - 4 packs
- Vegan cookies - 6 packs
- Butter cookies - 8 packs
- Mini quiches - 180 pieces
- Vegetarian puff pastry bites - 180 pieces
- Vegan vegetable snacks - 60 pieces
- Gluten-free snacks - 30 pieces
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Napkins - 600 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Trash bags - 80 pcs
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 60 pieces
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Hand soap - 8 bottles

Equipment

Coffee machinesqty 3
Kettlesqty 3
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Music standsqty 12
Orchestra chairsqty 12
Music standsqty 12
Clothes steamersqty 2
Flashlightsqty 6

Decorations

Stage drapesqty 4
Tableclothsqty 18
Flower arrangementsqty 8
Menu Card Holdersqty 12
Directional signsqty 10

Lighting

Standing lampsqty 8
LED spotlightsqty 8
String lightsqty 6

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Bread knivesqty 4
Chef's bread knivesqty 3
Serving knivesqty 6
Serving spoonsqty 8
Aluminum foilqty 3
Cling filmqty 3

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Waste sorting binsqty 4
Cleaning bucketsqty 4
Mopsqty 4
Broom setsqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 4
Microfiber clothsqty 24
Toilet brushesqty 4

Tips

Count chairs against confirmed seat reservations, then add a small margin for staff and accessibility needs. Use cocktail tables and buffet tables separately so guests can put down drinks without blocking the food service.
Plan one coat hanger per expected coat and place coat racks near the entrance rather than beside the audience seating. This avoids a last-minute pile of coats in the foyer.
For drinks and interval service, prepare separate supplies for wine, water and hot drinks. Keep coolers, ice cube trays, thermos flasks and lidded serving trays ready before the audience arrives.
Set up a dedicated dressing-room area with tables, changing-room chairs and clothes hangers. A clothes steamer and a few flashlights are easy to forget but useful when costumes need a final check backstage.
Check every powered item at least one day before the performance, including coffee machines, kettles, extension cords and power strips. Keep cables away from walkways and test music stands and orchestra chairs during the venue setup.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to buy for an opera performance?: Plan seating and foyer furniture, coat racks and hangers, tableware, serving equipment, hot-drink equipment, backstage furniture and basic technical supplies. The complete checklist contains 54 items, including chairs, glasses, buffet equipment, music stands, extension cords and flashlights.
How many chairs do I need for an opera performance?: Start with the number of confirmed seat reservations and add chairs for audience hosts, volunteers and any musicians or staff who need seating. Check the final count at least 24 hours before the performance so the room layout can still be adjusted.
How much glassware and tableware is needed for the interval?: Count one glass per expected guest for the first service, then add at least 10% for breakage, extra pours and delayed returns. Include separate supplies for wine, water, coffee and pastries rather than relying on one shared set.
When should I prepare the opera performance equipment?: Collect and test powered equipment, music stands, orchestra chairs and backstage supplies no later than the day before. Place serving items and tableware on site before doors open, allowing at least 90 minutes for setup and a final safety check.

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