What you need for a stand-up comedy night

A stand-up comedy night needs more than chairs and a microphone. You also need practical items for registration, drinks, catering, stage lighting and safe cable management. Plan tableware around your guest count, and check technical supplies before shopping day so missing batteries or extension leads do not delay the sound check. This list helps you gather the items that are easy to overlook when the focus is on the comedians and programme.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Chairsqty 70
Tablesqty 10
Bar stoolsqty 4
Clothes racksqty 2

Equipment

Active speakersqty 2
Mixer
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Microphone stand
Laptop
Music player
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Gaffer tapeqty 2
Spare batteriesqty 12

Lighting

LED spotlightsqty 4
Mood lightingqty 2

Tableware

Glassesqty 80
Coffee cupsqty 40
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Serving traysqty 8

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Ice cube traysqty 4
Scissorsqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 4
Bread knivesqty 3

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 10
Napkin holdersqty 8
Stage backdrop
Directional signsqty 8
Name badgesqty 80

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Broom and dustpanqty 2
Cleaning glovesqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Sweetener - 1 box
- Semi-skimmed milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Still mineral water - 8 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 6 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Ginger beer - 3 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Pilsener - 48 bottles
- Dry White Wine - 6 bottles
- Non-alcoholic wine - 2 bottles
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 5 bags
- Salsa - 4 jars
- Salted peanuts - 3 bags
- Olives - 4 jars
- Grapes - 5 kilos
- Apples - 60 pieces
- Mini cucumbers - 3 kilos
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Mini bell peppers - 2 kilo
- Hummus - 8 tubs
- Cream cheese - 2 kilo
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Brie - 1 kilo
- Vegan cheese - 1 kilo
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Gluten-free crackers - 4 packs
- Wholegrain crackers - 8 packs
- Herb butter - 6 tubs
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Paper napkins - 400 pieces
- Coffee filters - 1 pack
- Stir sticks - 200 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 1 roll
- Cling film - 1 roll
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 3 rolls

Tips

Prepare at least one glass per expected guest, plus a small reserve for breakages and late arrivals. Set out coffee cups, plates and cutlery before catering arrives so staff are not searching for them during registration.
Check the sound kit at least 24 hours before the event, including the mixer, active speakers, wireless microphones and microphone stand. Keep spare batteries and gaffer tape with the equipment rather than in a separate storage area.
Bring enough extension cords and power strips to reach the speakers, mixer, laptop, music player and LED spotlights without running cables across walkways. Secure any cable crossing with gaffer tape before guests enter.
Chill drinks several hours before doors open and prepare ice in advance; a few ice cube trays rarely cover a full bar. Use coolers as backup storage while the main drinks area is being set up.
Set up the registration table with the printed registration list before the first guest arrives. Keep scissors, serving trays, tablecloths and napkin holders together so small finishing tasks do not interrupt the stage setup.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for a stand-up comedy night?: You need seating, tables, a sound system with microphones, a microphone stand, lighting, drinks service, catering tableware and cable-management supplies. For a typical setup, allow one chair per registered guest and add a small reserve if the venue permits.
How many drinks should I buy for a comedy event?: For the first hour, plan on two to three drinks per person, then about one drink per person per hour. Add water and non-alcoholic options, and chill the first supply several hours before guests arrive.
How many microphones are needed for stand-up comedy?: One working microphone is usually enough for a solo comedian, but keep a second wireless microphone available if the presenter also needs one. Test both microphones and keep spare batteries ready at least 24 hours beforehand.
When should I buy supplies for a stand-up comedy night?: Buy shelf-stable serving and technical supplies several days ahead, then purchase or collect fresh catering items one day before the event. Chill drinks and complete the equipment check on the day before, not during guest arrival.

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