What you need for an operetta performance

Use this shopping list to prepare an operetta performance for both the audience and the cast. It covers the less obvious items that are easy to arrange too late: dressing-room furniture, stage lighting, serving equipment, extension cords, and clear signs. Buy or hire seating and technical equipment early, then match quantities to your audience size and programme length. Keep dietary items separate and prepare refreshments so they can be served without delaying registration or the performance.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Chairsqty 80
Tablesqty 8
Coat racksqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 3
Dressing room tablesqty 3

Tableware

Coffee cupsqty 80
Water glassesqty 80
Cake platesqty 80
Teaspoonsqty 80
Serving plattersqty 12

Equipment

Wireless microphonesqty 4
Microphone standsqty 2
Speakersqty 2
Music standsqty 6
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Dressing room racksqty 4

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 6
Coolersqty 3
Serving tongsqty 6
Cake serversqty 3

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 8
Stage curtainsqty 2
Flower arrangementsqty 6
Welcome sign
Directional signsqty 6

Lighting

LED spotlightsqty 4
String lightsqty 4

Cleaning

Vacuum cleaner
Mopsqty 2
Bucketsqty 2
Cleaning glovesqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Sweetener - 1 box
- Semi-skimmed milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Lemons - 6 pieces
- Still water - 8 bottles
- Sparkling water - 6 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Beer - 48 bottles
- Alcohol-free wine - 6 bottles
- White wine - 6 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- Sparkling wine - 4 bottles
- Unsalted butter - 2 packs
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Mini quiches - 100 pieces
- Savory puff pastry snacks - 100 pieces
- Cheese cubes - 3 kilograms
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Mini waffles - 100 pieces
- Butter cookies - 5 packs
- Mixed nuts - 2 kilograms
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Gluten-free crackers - 2 packs
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Herb cheese - 4 tubs
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 40 pieces
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 1 bottle
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs

Tips

Plan seating, tables, coat racks, and the registration desk before ordering refreshments. For a seated audience, count one chair per confirmed guest plus 5–10% spare chairs for late changes or damaged furniture.
Allow at least one wireless microphone per speaking or singing position that cannot share a microphone, and keep microphone stands, speakers, extension cords, and power strips available for the technical setup. Test everything before doors open.
Prepare the dressing rooms with one rack for each costume-changing area, plus tables for personal items and makeup. Arrange these items no later than the day before if the venue is not normally used for performances.
For interval refreshments, count one coffee cup and one water glass per expected guest, then add 10% spare tableware. Provide enough serving platters, tongs, and cake servers so guests do not have to handle food directly.
Put the welcome sign and directional signs up before opening the hall, including signs for registration, cloakroom, toilets, and dressing rooms. Set aside a separate table for tickets and programme booklets so the entrance does not become crowded.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for an operetta performance?: You need audience furniture, stage and sound equipment, lighting, dressing-room supplies, refreshments, tableware, and clear signs. The core list includes chairs, tables, microphones, speakers, music stands, extension cords, coffee equipment, serving items, and costume racks.
How many chairs should I prepare for an operetta performance?: Prepare one chair for every confirmed audience member and add 5–10% spare capacity. For 100 guests, that means 105 to 110 chairs, subject to the hall’s layout and fire-safety limits.
When should I arrange microphones and stage lighting?: Confirm the technical requirements at least 1–2 weeks before the performance and test the microphones, speakers, cables, and LED spotlights on the day of setup. Keep spare extension cords and power strips available before the performers arrive.
How much tableware do I need for interval refreshments?: Count one coffee cup and one water glass per guest, then add about 10% spare items. For 80 guests, prepare roughly 88 cups and 88 glasses, plus enough cake plates, teaspoons, serving platters, tongs, and cake servers for the planned food.

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