Puppet Show Shopping List

A puppet show needs more than puppets and a script. This shopping list covers the practical setup for children and adults, including the stage cabinet, backdrop, sound and lighting equipment, entrance table, serving supplies, and decorations. Plan snacks and drinks around your audience size, then check batteries, extension cords, tape, and cable ties before the day. Those small items are easy to overlook and can delay the opening if you need to buy them at the last minute.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Children's chairsqty 50
Adult chairsqty 10
Tablesqty 6
Folding table for the entrance
Folding catering tableqty 2
Coat rackqty 2

Equipment

Stage cabinet
Portable speaker
Wireless microphone
Music player
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
LED lightsqty 4
AA batteriesqty 8
AAA batteriesqty 8
Cable tiesqty 20
Scissorsqty 3
Gaffer tapeqty 2

Decorations

Backdrop
Decorative curtainsqty 2
Balloonsqty 50
Balloon pump
Buntingqty 3
Tableclothsqty 6
Photo booth backdrop
Photo propsqty 12

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 80
Reusable platesqty 70
Reusable cutleryqty 80
Serving spoonsqty 4
Coffee potsqty 2
Thermosqty 2
Drink dispensersqty 2

Kitchen

Coolersqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 2
Bread knivesqty 2
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving jugsqty 3
Teaspoonsqty 20

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Broomsqty 2
Vacuum cleaner
Mopsqty 2
Bucketsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea selection - 2 boxes
- Hot chocolate - 3 liters
- Milk - 4 liters
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Multivitamin juice - 4 packs
- Spa Blauw - 6 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Ice cubes - 4 bags
- Mini raisin buns - 70 pieces
- Mini cheese rolls - 70 pieces
- Currant buns - 40 pieces
- Unsalted butter - 2 packs
- Young cheese - 1 kilogram
- Strawberry jam - 2 jars
- Hummus - 3 tubs
- Cucumbers - 4 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Carrots - 2 kilogram
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Popcorn - 3 bags
- Salted sticks - 3 bags
- Mini cookies - 4 packs
- Bananas - 40 pieces
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Cupcakes - 70 pieces
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper straws - 100 pieces
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 2 packs
- Hand soap - 2 bottles

Tips

Plan seating before buying or borrowing anything else: count children’s chairs and adult chairs separately, then leave a clear route to the stage and entrance.
Test the portable speaker, wireless microphone, music player, LED lights, and both AA and AAA batteries at least 24 hours before the show. Keep spare batteries with the equipment.
Bring more extension cords and power strips than the final layout seems to require. Tape every cable crossing a walkway with gaffer tape and use cable ties to keep the stage area tidy.
Set up the entrance with a folding table, tickets, the programme, and a coat rack before the audience arrives. Have the schedule and house rules ready to display rather than trying to find them during check-in.
Buy or prepare snacks and drinks after collecting dietary requirements, and chill the drinks several hours before opening. Reusable cups, plates, cutlery, and serving spoons should be counted before food preparation begins.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for a puppet show at home?: You need a stage cabinet, backdrop, dolls, props, seating, lighting, and a reliable sound setup. Allow at least 60 minutes before the audience arrives to build the stage, arrange chairs, and test the equipment.
How many chairs do I need for a puppet show?: Provide one chair for every registered child and adult, separating children’s chairs from adult chairs. Add 10% extra seating when possible, or at least two spare chairs for late arrivals and unexpected guests.
When should I test the puppet show sound and lights?: Test the speaker, microphone, music player, LED lights, cables, and batteries at least one day before the performance. Repeat a full sound and lighting check 30 minutes before opening.
What snacks and drinks should I buy for a puppet show?: Use the registration list and dietary requirements to decide quantities and choices rather than buying one option for everyone. As a starting point, allow two drinks per child for a short show and one snack portion per person, plus 10% extra.

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