What do you need for street theater?

Street theater needs more than costumes and props. You also need a clear audience route, safe cable management, visible signs, reliable communication and enough equipment for changing outdoor conditions. This shopping list covers the practical items for marking audience areas, guiding visitors, lighting the performance space and supporting the crew. Check quantities against your venue size, route length and expected audience before buying or borrowing anything.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 24
Beer tablesqty 4
Clothes racksqty 2
Storage cabinetsqty 2
Parasolsqty 4

Equipment

Battery megaphonesqty 2
Wireless walkie-talkiesqty 8
LED floodlightsqty 6
Work lightsqty 4
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 6
Cable matsqty 8
Rechargeable batteriesqty 24

Safety

Crowd barriersqty 20
Traffic conesqty 12
Bollardsqty 12
Barrier tapeqty 4
First aid kitsqty 2
Fire extinguishersqty 2

Decorations

Program postersqty 12
Route signsqty 8
Info boardsqty 3
Chalkboardsqty 4
Directional signsqty 12
Buntingqty 8

Office

Clipboardsqty 6
Ballpoint pensqty 30
Markersqty 12
Tape dispensersqty 4

Catering

Thermos flasksqty 4
Coolersqty 4
Reusable cupsqty 120
Coffee cupsqty 80
Coffee spoonsqty 20
Water jugsqty 6
Serving traysqty 4
Groceries
- Still water - 24 bottles
- Sparkling water - 12 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Lemons - 8 pieces
- Paper napkins - 400 pieces
- Stir sticks - 200 pieces
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Snacks - 4 bags
- Muesli bars - 60 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Grapes - 4 crates
- Sandwiches - 50 pieces
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cucumber - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 4 rolls
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 4 bottles
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Cleaning spray - 3 bottles
- Sponges - 10 pieces
- Rubber gloves - 3 boxes
- Paper towels - 6 packs

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Broom setsqty 3
Litter pickersqty 3
Bucketsqty 4
Cleaning cartsqty 2
Microfiber clothsqty 20

Tips

Plan at least one route sign at every turn, entrance and exit, then add one extra sign for the information point. Visitors should not have to guess where the performance starts or where to stand.
For outdoor evening performances, allow one LED floodlight or work light for each active performance area and keep a separate light for the info point. Test the full setup before the audience arrives.
Use cable mats wherever extension cords cross a walking route. Bring spare rechargeable batteries for megaphones and walkie-talkies, and charge them fully at least 24 hours before the event.
Match crowd barriers, cones, bollards and barrier tape to the actual audience route rather than buying one generic quantity. Walk the route during setup and leave clear access for performers, crew and emergency services.
Set aside one clipboard, pen and marker for each crew lead working at a different location. Keep the first aid kits, fire extinguishers and contact information at the info point so they can be found within minutes.

Frequently asked questions

How many route signs do I need for a street theater performance?: Use at least one sign at every turn, entrance and exit, plus one at the info point. For a route with six decision points, prepare at least seven signs and bring one spare.
How many chairs and tables are needed for street theater?: Base the number on the audience arrangement: provide one chair per seated visitor and add 10% extra if seating is limited. Allow at least one foldable table for the info point, with more if performers or crew need separate work areas.
How early should I prepare the technical equipment?: Collect and test lights, batteries, extension cords, power strips and communication equipment at least 24 hours in advance. Complete the venue test before setup day so missing adapters or power issues can still be fixed.
What safety equipment is needed for street theater?: Prepare crowd barriers or barrier tape for audience sections, traffic cones or bollards for route control, cable mats for every cable crossing, and accessible first aid kits and fire extinguishers. Inspect all of it during venue setup, not after the audience arrives.

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