Operetta performance checklist

An operetta performance depends on several schedules moving together: venue, cast, rehearsals, music rights, technical setup, tickets, and front-of-house service. Start with the date and venue, then work backwards from opening night to set rehearsal, printing, catering, and visitor arrangements. Leave time for costume repairs, cue recording, and a full technical rehearsal rather than treating them as last-minute jobs. This checklist covers the 62 planning tasks and 42 items needed to take the production from first booking to the final audience member leaving.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

Reserve venue
Set the performance date
2 people
Check permits
Reserve rehearsal space
Arrange music rights
Check cast availability
Schedule rehearsals
2 people
Plan the technical rehearsal
2 people
Send invitations
2 people
Open ticket sales
2 people
Process registrations
2 people
Collect dietary requirements
Update visitor list
Arrange seating
2 people
Compile program
2 people
Design program booklet
Print program booklets
2 people
Lay out tickets and wristbands
Prepare décor pieces
4 people
Check costumes
3 people
Repair costumes
2 people
Gather props
2 people
Sort sheet music
2 people
Record technical cues
2 people
Book catering
Do the shopping
3 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Prepare snacks
3 people
Set up the cash register
2 people
Hang up public information
2 people

Event

Open venue
2 people
Set up the stage and décor
6 people
Set up chairs
4 people
Set up the foyer
4 people
Connect sound equipment
3 people
Set up lighting
2 people
Lay out costumes
3 people
Set up props
2 people
Conduct the technical rehearsal
6 people
Welcome the audience
6 people
Check tickets
3 people
Hand out programs
3 people
Staff the cloakroom
2 people
Serve drinks and snacks
5 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Lead the break
4 people
Escort audience to the hall
4 people
Perform the show
18 people
Lead the final applause
2 people
See visitors out
4 people
Close the register
2 people

Aftercare

Dismantle decor and props
6 people
Collect costumes
3 people
Switch off equipment
3 people
Wash dishes
3 people
Collect waste
3 people
Clean the venue
5 people
Put furniture back
4 people
Inventory materials
2 people
Return borrowed items
2 people
Store leftovers
2 people
Register lost and found items

What to bring

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

Furniture

Chairsqty 180
Tablesqty 10
Coat racksqty 4
Stoolsqty 6
Bollardsqty 8

Tableware

Water glassesqty 200
Wine glassesqty 120
Coffee cupsqty 120
Cake platesqty 120
Cutlery setsqty 120
Serving traysqty 12
Thermos flasksqty 8

Equipment

Piano
Microphonesqty 4
Microphone standsqty 4
Speakersqty 2
Mixer
Music standsqty 10
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 8
Laptop
Printer

Lighting

Stage spotlightsqty 6
Work lightsqty 4

Decorations

Decor pieces
Backdrop cloth
Tableclothsqty 10
Flower arrangementsqty 6

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 3
Kettlesqty 3
Coolersqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Kitchen knivesqty 4
Scissorsqty 4
Storage binsqty 10

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Mop setsqty 2
Broomsqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 3
Bucketsqty 4
Rubber glovesqty 6

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set the performance date only after checking cast availability and the rehearsal space. Keep a full technical rehearsal in the schedule before opening night, with enough time to correct lighting, sound, piano, microphone, and cue problems.
Arrange music rights early, before ticket sales open. Rights requirements can affect the performance date, programme wording, and what music may be recorded or distributed.
Close registrations with enough time to update the visitor list, collect dietary requirements, and arrange seating. A practical deadline is 7 days before the performance, leaving time to print tickets, wristbands, and programme booklets.
Check costumes and props during an early rehearsal, not during the final week. List repairs immediately and confirm every décor piece, backdrop cloth, sheet of music, and technical cue before the dress or technical run.
Plan front-of-house quantities from the audience count: chairs, coat racks, tables, glasses, cups, plates, cutlery, trays, thermos flasks, coffee machines, and kettles all need a location and setup time. Keep extension cords and power strips away from walkways, using bollards where cables cross public areas.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I plan an operetta performance?: Start venue, date, cast, rehearsal-space, and music-rights planning at least 12 weeks before the performance. Open ticket sales only after the date, rights, venue capacity, and basic audience arrangements are confirmed.
How many rehearsals does an operetta performance need?: Schedule at least 6 rehearsals for a small production, then add a separate technical rehearsal before opening night. Reserve the final rehearsal for complete runs with costumes, props, music, lighting, microphones, and recorded cues.
When should I print operetta programmes and tickets?: Print programme booklets and final ticket or wristband materials 7 to 10 days before the performance. Wait until registrations, seating, programme content, and dietary requirements have been checked so you do not print outdated information.
When should catering be booked for an operetta performance?: Book catering at least 3 weeks in advance, then confirm the final number and dietary requirements 7 days before the event. Plan separate service needs for drinks, cake, coffee, cups, glasses, plates, cutlery, trays, and thermos flasks.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.