What you need for an operetta performance

An operetta performance needs more than costumes and sheet music. Plan for the audience area, refreshments, musical equipment, microphones, stage lighting, props and backstage organisation. This checklist also covers items that are easy to overlook until the technical rehearsal, such as gaffer tape, extension cords, music stand lights and a piano bench. Use the quantities shown in your plan as the starting point, then adjust seating, tableware and equipment to your confirmed visitor list and venue.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Chairsqty 120
Tablesqty 8
Clothes racksqty 4
Foldable tablesqty 3
Bar stoolsqty 4
Piano bench
Control desk

Tableware

Coffee cupsqty 100
Glassesqty 140
Wine glassesqty 100
Platesqty 120
Forksqty 120
Cake forksqty 120
Teaspoonsqty 100
Serving traysqty 12

Equipment

Piano or keyboard
Keyboard stand
Microphonesqty 6
Microphone standsqty 6
Mixer
Speakersqty 2
Monitor speaker
Audio cablesqty 12
Extension cordsqty 10
Power stripsqty 8
Gaffer tapeqty 6
Music standsqty 12
Music stand lightsqty 12

Lighting

LED spotlightsqty 8
Theater profilesqty 4
Light standqty 4
Lightboard
Cable matsqty 8

Decorations

Backdropsqty 3
Theater curtainsqty 2
Decorative panelsqty 8
Artificial flowersqty 12
Candlesticksqty 6
LED candlesqty 24
Tableclothsqty 10
Directional signsqty 8
Welcome sign
Photo framesqty 6

Clothing

Operetta costumesqty 20
Costume accessoriesqty 30
Clothing coversqty 24
Pairs of shoesqty 20
Makeup kitsqty 6
Hand mirrorsqty 4

Theater

Propsqty 35
Sheet musicqty 20
Spare sheet musicqty 5
Script foldersqty 6
Pencil setsqty 6
Notepadsqty 10
Decor cratesqty 10
Transport cartsqty 2

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Broomsqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 3
Cleaning clothsqty 24

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 6
Coolersqty 4
Pliersqty 8
Small bowlsqty 20
Cutting boardsqty 3
Knivesqty 6
Serving plattersqty 12
Washing-up bowlsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Still water - 12 bottles
- Sparkling water - 12 bottles
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Alcohol-free sparkling wine - 12 bottles
- White wine - 12 bottles
- Red wine - 6 bottles
- Beer - 48 bottles
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Ice cubes - 10 bags
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Mini bake-at-home rolls - 120 pieces
- Unsalted butter - 2 kilos
- Herb butter - 12 tubs
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Brie - 2 kilos
- Cream cheese - 1 kilo
- Hummus - 1.5 kilos
- Chicken breast slices - 1.5 kilos
- Back ham - 1.5 kilos
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Bell peppers - 2 kilos
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Apples - 60 pieces
- Pears - 40 pieces
- Mandarins - 60 pieces
- Plain chips - 12 bags
- Paprika chips - 12 bags
- Snack mix - 8 bags
- Olives - 2 kilos
- Mixed nuts - 1 kilo
- Rice cakes - 6 packs
- Mini quiches - 120 pieces
- Vegetarian bites - 120 pieces
- Vegan snacks - 60 pieces
- Gluten-free crackers - 6 packs
- Butter cookies - 8 packs
- Vegan cookies - 4 packs
- Lemon cake - 4 pieces
- Apple pie - 4 pieces
- Whipped cream - 12 aerosol cans
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 can
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Napkins - 600 pieces
- Paper cups - 150 pieces
- Stir sticks - 200 pieces
- Cocktail sticks - 300 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 40 pieces
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 4 bottles
- Rubber gloves - 12 pairs
- Sponges - 12 pieces

Tips

Count chairs against the final visitor list at least 7 days before the performance, and keep a small reserve if the venue allows it. Add tables, bar stools and foldable tables only after you have mapped the audience, catering and backstage areas.
For refreshments, match coffee cups, glasses, wine glasses, plates, forks, cake forks and teaspoons to the confirmed reservations rather than the invitation count. Keep serving trays available for moving drinks and cake without interrupting the performance.
Check the piano or keyboard, keyboard stand and piano bench during the final rehearsal, not on the show day. If the instrument is amplified, test the mixer, microphones, monitor speaker, speakers and every audio cable in the actual room.
Prepare the lighting setup before the technical rehearsal: test LED spotlights and theater profiles from the control desk, and secure extension cords and power strips with gaffer tape. Label cables so volunteers can reset the room quickly.
Set aside music stands and music stand lights for the orchestra before doors open. Clothes racks, costumes and props should be placed in a defined backstage area, with alterations completed before the final rehearsal rather than during setup.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for an operetta performance?: Plan for a piano or keyboard, keyboard stand, piano bench, microphones, microphone stands, mixer, speakers, monitor speaker, audio cables, extension cords and power strips. Test the complete setup during the technical rehearsal, ideally at least 1 day before the performance.
How many chairs and glasses do I need for an operetta?: Start with 1 chair per confirmed audience member and add a small reserve where space permits. For drinks, count coffee cups, glasses and wine glasses against the final visitor list, then check the total again 48 hours before the show.
When should costumes and props be ready for an operetta?: Complete costume try-ons and alterations before the final rehearsal. Gather and label every prop at least 1 day before the performance so missing items are found before the cast and crew arrive.
What should I prepare for the technical rehearsal?: Have the control desk, lighting, sound equipment, music stands, music stand lights, cables, extension cords, power strips and gaffer tape ready. Run the full technical setup before opening night, preferably 24 hours in advance, including microphone and lighting checks.

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