What you need for an opera performance

An opera performance needs more than chairs and a stage. Your shopping list must cover audience seating, reception tableware, sound and power equipment, music stands, lighting and simple room dressing. Quantities depend on your audience, but planning per guest and per performer prevents last-minute shortages. Order or borrow specialist equipment early, especially microphones, speakers and lighting, then check every cable and battery before rehearsal day.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Chairsqty 90
Tablesqty 8
Stoolsqty 6
Clothes racksqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 2

Tableware

Wine glassesqty 90
Water glassesqty 90
Coffee cupsqty 60
Dessert platesqty 90
Pastry forksqty 90
Teaspoonsqty 60
Coffee potsqty 4
Teapotsqty 3
Serving traysqty 6
Water jugsqty 8

Equipment

Microphonesqty 3
Microphone standsqty 3
Speakersqty 2
Mixer
Music standsqty 8
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Laptop
Spare batteriesqty 12

Lighting

LED work lightsqty 4
Light standsqty 4
Mood lightingqty 8

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 8
Curtainsqty 4
Flower arrangementsqty 6
Candle holdersqty 12
LED candlesqty 24
Directional signsqty 10

Kitchen

Thermos flasksqty 6
Coolersqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Chefs' fairqty 3
Serving tongsqty 8
Measuring cupsqty 2
Washing-up bowlsqty 3

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Broomsqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Cleaning glovesqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Green tea - 1 box
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Sweetener - 1 box
- Semi-skimmed milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Lemons - 8 pieces
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 6 bottles
- Cola - 4 bottles
- Cola Zero - 3 bottles
- Sinas - 2 bottles
- Apple juice - 3 packs
- Orange juice - 3 cartons
- Alcohol-free sparkling wine - 6 bottles
- White wine - 8 bottles
- Red wine - 6 bottles
- Beer - 48 bottles
- Alcohol-free beer - 12 bottles
- Ice cubes - 8 bags
- Baguettes - 10 pieces
- Butter - 1 kilo
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Brie - 1 kilo
- Hummus - 1 kilo
- Cream cheese - 1 kilo
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Pears - 30 pieces
- Mini quiches - 120 pieces
- Vegetable frittata - 80 pieces
- Olives - 2 kilos
- Mixed nuts - 2 kilos
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Salty crackers - 8 packs
- Baguettes - 6 pieces
- Butter cookies - 8 packs
- Mini apple pies - 90 pieces
- Lemon cake - 6 pieces
- Vegan brownies - 40 pieces
- Gluten-free crackers - 4 packs
- Gluten-free cookies - 4 packs
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Salt - 1 pack
- Black pepper - 1 jar
- Paper napkins - 300 pieces
- Coffee filters - 1 pack
- Tea filters - 1 box
- Stir sticks - 200 pieces
- Cocktail picks - 200 pieces
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Freezer bags - 1 pack
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 1 bottle
- Disinfecting wipes - 3 packs
- Sponges - 2 packs
- Paper towels - 6 packs
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Name stickers - 100 pieces
- Ballpoint pens - 20 pieces
- Printer paper - 2 packs
- Tape - 6 rolls
- Cable ties - 1 bag
- Cable ties - 1 bag

Tips

Plan one chair per confirmed guest, plus 5–10% extra if the venue has room. Add stools only where the seating plan or performers specifically requires them.
For a reception, count one wine glass and one water glass per guest, then add at least 10% spare. For coffee and tea, allow one cup, dessert plate, pastry fork and teaspoon per expected serving.
Match microphones, stands, speakers and the mixer to the performers and venue. Test the complete sound setup at least 24 hours before the performance, not just the individual devices.
Buy or borrow extension cords, power strips and spare batteries before the technical check. Label each cable and keep a tested spare for every battery-powered microphone or accessory.
Prepare lighting before guests arrive: use LED work lights for backstage movement and mood lighting for the audience area. Check that light stands and cables cannot block aisles, exits or accessibility routes.

Frequently asked questions

How many chairs do I need for an opera performance?: Start with one chair per confirmed guest and add 5–10% spare capacity. For 100 guests, prepare 105 to 110 chairs if the venue allows it.
How many glasses should I buy for an opera reception?: Allow one wine glass and one water glass per guest, plus at least 10% extra. For 80 guests, that means 88 wine glasses and 88 water glasses.
When should I test the opera sound equipment?: Complete a full microphone, mixer and speaker test at least 24 hours before the performance. Repeat a short check on the day after the stage layout and power connections are in place.
What tableware is needed for coffee and dessert at an opera event?: For each expected serving, provide one coffee cup, dessert plate, pastry fork and teaspoon. Add 10% spare for breakage, extra servings or items left at another table.

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