What you need for a stand-up comedy night

A stand-up comedy night needs more than microphones and chairs. Plan drinks and snacks for the full audience, plus the serving items, lighting and backup equipment that keep the evening moving. This shopping list covers reusable glasses, coffee supplies, coolers, extension cords and stage essentials. Check quantities against your final guest list, and arrange anything rented or borrowed at least one week before the show.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Chairsqty 90
Tablesqty 10
High tablesqty 4
Coat racksqty 2
Changing room table

Tableware

Reusable glassesqty 120
Coffee cupsqty 90
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Serving traysqty 8

Equipment

Active speakersqty 2
Wireless microphonesqty 3
Mixer
Microphone standsqty 3
Laptop
DI box
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 6

Lighting

LED theater spotlightsqty 4
Work lightsqty 2

Decorations

Backdrop cloth
Tableclothsqty 10
Menu standsqty 6

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Hot drink urnsqty 4
Coolersqty 4
Ice cube traysqty 4
Serving spoonsqty 8
Cool bagsqty 4

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 3
Broom setsqty 2
Mopsqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 3
Hand soap dispensersqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Tonic - 3 bottles
- Beer - 120 bottles
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- White wine - 8 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- Non-alcoholic wine - 3 bottles
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Mints - 1 box
- Lemon - 6 pieces
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Hummus - 8 tubs
- Cucumber - 8 pieces
- Carrots - 4 kilos
- Grapes - 5 kilos
- Apples - 60 pieces
- Cheese cubes - 4 kilo
- Olives - 3 jars
- Mixed nuts - 2 kilos
- Crackers - 8 packs
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Ice cubes - 20 kilo
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 36 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 1 bottle
- Cleaning sponges - 2 packs
- Paper towels - 4 packs

Tips

Plan two to three drinks per guest for the first hour, then one drink per person for each additional hour. Add extra non-alcoholic options and chill them before doors open.
Allow one plate, cutlery set and reusable glass per guest, plus about 10% extra. The spare stock covers breakages, dropped cutlery and late additions to the guest list.
Prepare coffee for roughly one cup per guest if it is served during the break, with extra coffee cups, hot drink urns and serving spoons ready at the buffet.
Check the technical kit before the event, not on the night: test both wireless microphones, the mixer, active speakers, laptop, DI box and every extension cord at least 24 hours in advance.
Keep the stage visible without shining lights into the audience. Set up LED theater spotlights and work lights, and bring power strips and spare extension cords for the entrance, buffet and cloakroom.

Frequently asked questions

What drinks do I need for a stand-up comedy night?: For the first hour, allow two to three drinks per guest, then one per person per following hour. Include water and other non-alcoholic drinks, and chill the first batch at least 3 hours before opening.
How many plates, glasses and cutlery sets should I buy?: Use one plate, glass and cutlery set per expected guest, plus 10% spare. For 80 guests, that means 88 of each item where practical.
What sound equipment is needed for a comedy night?: Plan for two wireless microphones, a mixer, active speakers, microphone stands, a laptop, a DI box and suitable cables. Test the complete setup at least 24 hours before the first audience arrives.
When should I arrange equipment for a stand-up comedy night?: Confirm rented or borrowed equipment at least 7 days ahead. Complete the sound and lighting test no later than the day before, so missing cables or faulty microphones can still be replaced.

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