What you need for a rock opera

A rock opera needs more than instruments and microphones. Your shopping list must cover the stage, front-of-house setup, power distribution, sound reinforcement and the audience arrival area. Allow extra time for technical deliveries, cable management and batteries, because these are often arranged too late. Use the performer and crew numbers to confirm microphone, chair, catering and name badge quantities before you buy or collect anything.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Stage sectionsqty 12
Stage stepsqty 2
Control deskqty 2
Chairsqty 180
Tablesqty 12
Foldable tablesqty 4
Coat racksqty 4
Bar stoolsqty 6
Crowd barriersqty 12
Cable traysqty 20

Equipment

Mixing console
PA speakersqty 4
Subwoofersqty 2
Stage monitorsqty 4
Wireless microphonesqty 4
Wired microphonesqty 8
Microphone standsqty 12
DI boxesqty 6
Headphonesqty 4
Laptop for playback
Intercom setsqty 4
Power stripsqty 6
Extension cordsqty 20
Power stripsqty 12
Gaffer tapeqty 10
Spare batteriesqty 40
Electric guitarqty 2
Bass Guitar
Guitar amplifiersqty 3
Bass amplifier
Drum kit
Keyboardqty 2
Keyboard standsqty 2
Guitar standsqty 4
Music standsqty 8

Lighting

LED stage spotlightsqty 12
Moving headsqty 4
Follow spot
Light standsqty 4
Lighting Console
DMX cablesqty 15

Decorations

Black backdrop
Stage drapesqty 4
Decorative panelsqty 6
Program standsqty 4
Directional signsqty 8
Name badgesqty 30

Tableware

Reusable drinking glassesqty 220
Wine glassesqty 120
Coffee cupsqty 80
Platesqty 220
Cutlery setsqty 220
Serving plattersqty 20
Serving spoonsqty 12

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Coffee machinesqty 3
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 8
Drink dispensersqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 4
Knivesqty 8
Serving tongsqty 8
Bottle openersqty 6

Cleaning

Vacuum cleanerqty 2
Mopsqty 4
Bucketsqty 4
Broomsqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 3
Cleaning glovesqty 12
Waste binsqty 12
Hand soap dispensersqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee beans - 4 kilograms
- Tea bags - 250 pieces
- Black tea - 100 tea bags
- Herbal tea - 75 bags
- Sugar - 3 kilograms
- Sweeteners - 200 pieces
- Milk - 15 liter
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Coffee cream - 3 liters
- Cola - 24 bottles
- Coke Zero - 24 bottles
- Sinas - 18 bottles
- Tonic - 12 bottles
- Ginger ale - 12 bottles
- Sparkling water - 24 bottles
- Still water - 36 bottles
- Apple juice - 12 cartons
- Orange juice - 12 cartons
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Beer - 120 bottles
- White wine - 18 bottles
- Red wine - 12 bottles
- Rosé - 6 bottles
- Ice cubes - 20 kilograms
- Baguettes - 25 pieces
- Whole wheat bread - 12 loaves
- Mini rolls - 250 pieces
- Unsalted butter - 2 kilograms
- Hummus - 3 kilograms
- Cream cheese - 2 kilograms
- Young cheese - 4 kilograms
- Brie - 2 kilograms
- Goat cheese - 1 kilogram
- Ham - 3 kilograms
- Smoked chicken breast - 2 kilograms
- Vegetarian slices - 2 kilograms
- Arugula - 1 kilogram
- Cucumber - 3 kilograms
- Tomatoes - 4 kilogram
- Bell peppers - 3 kilograms
- Red onion - 1 kilogram
- Olives - 2 kilograms
- Grapes - 5 kilograms
- Apples - 5 kilograms
- Pears - 4 kilograms
- Bananas - 4 kilogram
- Strawberries - 3 kilograms
- Paprika chips - 10 bags
- Plain chips - 10 bags
- Tortilla chips - 8 bags
- Salted nuts - 5 kilogram
- Rice cakes - 8 packs
- Crackers - 10 packs
- Olive tapenade - 1 kilogram
- Pesto spread - 1 kilogram
- Mayonnaise - 2 liter
- Ketchup - 2 liters
- Mustard - 1 liter
- Balsamic dressing - 1 liter
- Salt - 500 grams
- Pepper - 250 gram
- Paprika powder - 250 gram
- Garlic powder - 250 grams
- Fresh basil - 10 bunches
- Allergy-free sandwiches - 30 pieces
- Gluten-free crackers - 6 packs
- Vegan cheese - 1 kilogram
- Vegan spread - 1 kilogram
- Napkins - 600 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Garbage bags for glass - 20 pieces
- Dish soap - 5 liters
- All-purpose cleaner - 5 liters
- Toilet cleaner - 3 liters
- Disinfectant spray - 3 liters
- Hand soap - 6 liters
- Paper towels - 12 packs

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Fire extinguishersqty 4
Flashlightsqty 6
Safety vestsqty 12
Emergency exit signsqty 8

Organization

Wristbandsqty 220
Entry badgesqty 30
Cash register
Cash float box
Card payment terminalqty 2
Clipboardsqty 6
Pensqty 30
Printer paperqty 500
Tapeqty 8
Scissorsqty 6
Staplersqty 3
Wristband scissorsqty 2

Cloakroom

Cloakroom numbersqty 250
Clothes hangersqty 220
Cloakroom binsqty 8

Tips

Check the technical rider before buying or hiring sound equipment. Confirm the number and type of wireless and wired microphones, DI boxes, monitors and inputs at least 2–3 weeks before the performance.
Plan power and cable routes before the equipment arrives. Count extension cords, power strips and cable trays for every stage and control-desk position, then keep gaffer tape and spare batteries available on the day.
Match stage furniture to the planned layout. Count stage sections, steps, stools, tables, chairs and coat racks after the stage plan is approved, rather than guessing from the venue’s usual setup.
Buy or collect front-of-house supplies separately from stage equipment. Tables, barriers, chairs and coat racks are easy to overlook when the technical order focuses on the mixing console, speakers and microphones.
Confirm catering quantities after collecting dietary requirements. Place the final order no later than 3–5 days before the performance, and keep a written count for performers, crew, guests and audience-facing staff.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a rock opera?: At minimum, plan for a mixing console, PA speakers, subwoofers, stage monitors, microphones, stands, DI boxes, amplifiers and a playback laptop. The exact quantities depend on the technical rider and the number of performers.
How many microphones are needed for a rock opera?: Use the microphone plan rather than a fixed ratio: allow one microphone for each simultaneous vocal or instrument input, plus at least 1–2 spare options if the budget and rider allow. Confirm the final count with the performers and crew 2–3 weeks before the show.
How much catering should I buy for a rock opera?: Count every performer, crew member, organiser and supplier who will be present during the meal period, then add about 10% extra portions. Confirm dietary requirements at least 7 days before the performance and update the order 3–5 days beforehand.
When should I arrange rock opera equipment delivery?: Reserve technical equipment delivery at least 1–2 weeks before the performance, with the arrival time agreed with the venue. Schedule enough setup time for the stage layout, microphone plan, lighting, soundcheck and cable checks before doors open.

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