What to Buy for an Opera Performance

An opera performance needs more than costumes and sheet music. Your shopping list also has to cover the audience area, refreshments, printed programs, backstage organisation and technical setup. Plan drinks and snacks by guest numbers, and leave time to chill drinks before doors open. Small items such as gaffer tape, extension cords, name badges and clear wayfinding signs are easy to miss but can delay the setup if they are bought at the last minute.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Stage sectionsqty 12
Stage stepsqty 2
Orchestra chairsqty 25
Music standsqty 25
Audience chairsqty 180
Tablesqty 8
Coat racksqty 4
Dressing room racksqty 6
High tablesqty 10

Equipment

Stage microphonesqty 6
Wireless microphonesqty 3
Microphone standsqty 6
Mixer
Speakersqty 4
Monitor speakersqty 2
Headphonesqty 4
Extension cordsqty 12
Power stripsqty 8
Gaffer tapeqty 6
Laptop
Music stand lightsqty 12
Clothes steamersqty 2
Ironsqty 2
Clothes hangersqty 80
Hand mirrorsqty 4
Clothes racksqty 6

Lighting

Theatre spotlightsqty 8
LED par spotsqty 6
Light standsqty 4
Light controller
Mood lightingqty 12

Decorations

Backdropsqty 3
Decorative panelsqty 8
Entrance sign
Wayfinding signsqty 8
Flower bouquetsqty 6
Flowers for performersqty 8

Tableware

Water glassesqty 220
Wine glassesqty 220
Coffee cupsqty 120
Platesqty 120
Dessert platesqty 220
Pastry forksqty 220
Coffee spoonsqty 120

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 3
Kettlesqty 3
Thermos flasksqty 8
Coolersqty 6
Serving plattersqty 20
Serving tongsqty 12
Pouring jugsqty 8
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 6
Cookie and pastry traysqty 12
Label holdersqty 20
Aluminum foilqty 3
Cling filmqty 3

Cleaning

Vacuum cleanerqty 2
Mopsqty 4
Bucketsqty 4
Broom and dustpanqty 3
Microfiber clothsqty 20
Cleaning glovesqty 12

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee beans - 3 kilo
- Decaf coffee - 500 grams
- Black tea - 200 bags
- Herbal tea - 100 bags
- Earl Grey tea - 100 bags
- Sugar - 3 kilos
- Sweetener - 300 pieces
- Semi-skimmed milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 8 liters
- Whipped cream - 2 liters
- Still mineral water - 80 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 60 bottles
- Cola - 24 bottles
- Coke Zero - 24 bottles
- Sinas - 18 bottles
- Ginger beer - 12 bottles
- Apple juice - 12 liters
- Orange juice - 12 liters
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Pilsener - 120 bottles
- White wine - 18 bottles
- Red wine - 12 bottles
- Rosé - 8 bottles
- Prosecco - 12 bottles
- Lemons - 3 kilos
- Limes - 2 kilos
- Fresh mint - 10 bunches
- Ice cubes - 20 kilo
- Hummus - 3 kilos
- Cream cheese - 2 kilo
- Brie - 3 kilo
- Aged cheese - 4 kilos
- Goat cheese - 2 kilos
- Grapes - 8 kilos
- Apples - 8 kilos
- Pears - 6 kilos
- Strawberries - 4 kilos
- Cucumbers - 4 kilos
- Cherry tomatoes - 4 kilos
- Carrots - 4 kilos
- Celery - 2 kilo
- Paprika chips - 12 bags
- Plain chips - 12 bags
- Tortilla chips - 10 bags
- Mixed nuts - 4 kilos
- Olives - 3 kg
- Salted crackers - 12 packs
- Whole grain crackers - 10 packs
- Baguettes - 25 pieces
- Mini quiches - 240 pieces
- Puff pastry bites - 240 pieces
- Vegetarian wraps - 120 pieces
- Vegan wraps - 60 pieces
- Mini sandwiches - 240 pieces
- Cream cheese sandwiches - 120 pieces
- Vegan sandwiches - 80 pieces
- Gluten-free crackers - 6 packs
- Gluten-free cookies - 6 packs
- Unsalted butter - 2 kilos
- Jam - 2 kilos
- Mayonnaise - 2 liter
- Mustard - 1 liter
- Ketchup - 2 liters
- Balsamic vinegar - 1 liter
- Olive oil - 2 liters
- Salt - 1 kilo
- Black pepper - 500 grams
- Paper napkins - 1000 pieces
- Cocktail picks - 500 pieces
- Coffee filters - 200 pieces
- Stirrers - 500 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Liquid hand soap - 6 bottles
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 100 pieces
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant spray - 4 bottles
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Freezer bags - 2 boxes
- Aluminum trays - 100 pieces

Tips

Plan roughly 2–3 drinks per guest for the first hour, then add 1 drink per person for each additional hour. Buy a mix of still and sparkling water, plus non-alcoholic options for performers and guests.
Allow 1–2 snack portions per guest if refreshments are served during an interval. Choose food that can be prepared in advance and check dietary requirements before placing the final order.
Order printed programs at least 7 days before the performance when possible. Add a small buffer of 5–10% above the confirmed audience count for late registrations, damaged copies and performers.
Buy or gather technical consumables at least 2 days before setup: extension cords, power strips, gaffer tape and spare batteries where required. Keep tape and cable-management supplies together so they are available during the stage and lighting check.
Prepare entrance and wayfinding signs before the event day, and place them at least 1 hour before doors open. Include clear directions to the hall, seating, toilets, coat racks and dressing rooms.

Frequently asked questions

What drinks do I need for an opera performance?: Plan 2–3 drinks per guest for the first hour, including water and non-alcoholic choices. For each additional hour, add about 1 drink per person, then chill the drinks several hours before serving.
How many snacks should I buy for an opera interval?: Allow 1–2 snack portions per guest for a single interval. Add 10% extra if attendance is uncertain, and confirm dietary requirements no later than 3–5 days before shopping.
How many printed programs should I order?: Order one program per expected audience member, plus 5–10% extra. Place the print order at least 7 days before the performance so there is time to correct or replace copies.
What small technical supplies are easy to forget?: Pack extension cords, power strips, gaffer tape, spare batteries and cable ties at least 2 days before setup. Keep them in one labelled box so the technical team can find them during the equipment and lighting check.

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