What to Buy for a Stage Performance
A stage performance needs more than costumes and props. You also need practical supplies for the audience, performers, crew and front-of-house team, from theatre seating and microphones to programme stands and coffee service. Plan quantities around your cast, crew and expected audience rather than buying at the last minute. Check the venue’s existing equipment first, especially sound, lighting, power and furniture, because missing cables or stands can delay the technical test.
What to bring
Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.
Furniture
- Stage sectionsqty 8
- Theater seatsqty 110
- Foyer tablesqty 4
- Folding chairs backstageqty 8
- Clothes racksqty 3
- Coat racksqty 2
- Waste binsqty 6
Equipment
- Microphonesqty 4
- Microphone standsqty 4
- Speakersqty 2
- Mixer
- Laptop
- Audio cablesqty 8
- Extension cordsqty 6
- Power stripsqty 6
- Tool casesqty 2
- Gaffer tapeqty 6
- Cable tiesqty 100
- Spare batteriesqty 24
Lighting
- Theatre spotlightsqty 6
- Light standsqty 3
- LED lightsqty 4
Decorations
- Backdrop
- Side curtainsqty 4
- Decorative plantsqty 6
- Entrance signqty 2
- Program standsqty 2
- Tapeqty 6
- Scissorsqty 4
- Arrow stickersqty 30
Tableware
- Water glassesqty 120
- Coffee cupsqty 80
- Teacupsqty 50
- Dessert platesqty 120
- Coffee spoonsqty 100
- Serving spoonsqty 8
Kitchen
- Coffee machinesqty 2
- Kettlesqty 2
- Thermos flasksqty 6
- Coolersqty 3
- Serving traysqty 6
- Bread tongsqty 6
- Cutting boardsqty 3
- Kitchen knivesqty 3
- Storage boxesqty 8
- Washing-up tubsqty 3
Catering
- Cash drawer
- Card machine
- Ticket scannerqty 2
- Program bookletsqty 120
- Name stickersqty 120
- Wristbandsqty 120
- Cloakroom numbersqty 120
- Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Semi-skimmed milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Granulated sugar - 2 kilos
- Sweetener - 1 box
- Loose sugar - 1 kilo
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 8 cartons
- Orange juice - 8 packs
- Spa Blauw - 60 bottles
- Spa Red - 24 bottles
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Coffee cream - 4 tubs
- Butter - 1 kilo
- Soft rolls - 120 pieces
- Mini croissants - 120 pieces
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Aged cheese - 2 kilo
- Ham - 1,5 kilo
- Chicken breast slices - 1.5 kilos
- Hummus - 1.5 kilos
- Cucumber - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Gluten-free cookies - 2 packs
- Vegan snack bars - 24 pieces
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Napkins - 400 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 1 bottle
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Microfiber cloths - 12 pieces
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Paper towels - 8 packs
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Ice cubes - 12 bags
- Pensqty 12
- Receipt rollsqty 4
- Small change traysqty 2
Cleaning
- Mopsqty 3
- Bucketsqty 3
- Broom setsqty 2
- Dustpan and brushqty 2
- Rubber glovesqty 6
- Toilet brushesqty 2
Tips
- Allow one theatre seat per expected audience member, plus a small number of spare or folding chairs for late changes, accessibility needs and backstage use. Confirm the final audience count before arranging the seating plan.
- For a spoken performance, plan at least one microphone for each active speaker at a time, plus microphone stands and compatible audio cables. Test the microphones, mixer, laptop and speakers together before the performance day.
- Count power points before buying or packing extension cords and power strips. Keep lighting, sound and other high-load equipment on suitable circuits, and label cables so the crew can reconnect them quickly.
- Prepare front-of-house supplies for the whole service period: entrance signage, programme stands, foyer tables, water glasses, coffee cups, tea cups, dessert plates and serving spoons. Order or pack extras rather than relying on an exact headcount.
- Check costumes, props, backdrop and side scenery against the run sheet at least 24 hours before the show. A clothing rack, garment rack and clearly marked storage area prevent quick changes and props from being misplaced.
Frequently asked questions
- What equipment do I need for a stage performance?
- For a small production, check that you have microphones, microphone stands, speakers, a mixer, a laptop, audio cables, extension cords and power strips. You will also need suitable theatre spotlights, light stands and LED lights, unless the venue supplies them. Test everything at least one day before the performance.
- How many chairs do I need for a stage performance?
- Prepare one theatre chair for every expected audience member and keep several folding chairs available for backstage or late seating changes. Confirm the audience list 24 to 48 hours before the show so you can adjust the layout.
- How much tableware is needed for a performance reception?
- Use the confirmed guest count as your minimum for water glasses, coffee cups, tea cups and dessert plates, then add about 10% spare pieces. Count serving spoons and coffee equipment separately because these are often forgotten when catering quantities are calculated.
- When should I buy supplies for a stage performance?
- Buy or reserve furniture, sound and lighting equipment at least two weeks before the performance, especially if the venue does not provide it. Complete the final shopping check 24 to 48 hours before the show, after the cast, crew and audience numbers are confirmed.
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