What to buy for a street theater event

A street theater event needs more than costumes and props. You will be setting up playing areas, guiding pedestrians, supporting performers and keeping the audience comfortable outdoors. Use this shopping list to prepare furniture, sound, lighting, crowd-control equipment and serving items without last-minute runs to the store. Check quantities against your audience size, number of acts and site layout before buying or collecting anything.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
High tablesqty 8
Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 80
Coat racksqty 2
Changing room screensqty 4
Clothes hangersqty 40

Equipment

Battery-powered speakersqty 4
Wireless microphonesqty 4
Microphone standsqty 4
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 8
Cable matsqty 12
Traffic barriersqty 20
Bollardsqty 24
Barrier tapeqty 6
Conesqty 20
Walkie-talkiesqty 8
Power banksqty 8
Megaphonesqty 2
Fire extinguishersqty 4
Flashlightsqty 6
Tool casesqty 2

Lighting

LED light garlandsqty 8
LED construction lightsqty 6
Battery lanternsqty 8

Decorations

Decorative clothsqty 12
Buntingqty 10
Balloonsqty 200
Cable tiesqty 200
Ropeqty 100

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 400
Reusable coffee cupsqty 120
Platesqty 250
Cutlery setsqty 250
Coffee potsqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 6

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Ice cubesqty 20
Serving tongsqty 8
Serving traysqty 12
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 6
Towelsqty 12

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 12
Broom setsqty 4
Litter pickersqty 4
Bucketsqty 6
Mopsqty 4
First aid kitsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 2 kilograms
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Cola - 24 bottles
- Coke Zero - 24 bottles
- Sinas - 18 bottles
- Ice tea - 18 bottles
- Sparkling water - 36 bottles
- Still water - 36 bottles
- Apple juice - 12 cartons
- Orange juice - 12 cartons
- Paprika chips - 10 bags
- Plain chips - 10 bags
- Pretzels - 8 bags
- Popcorn - 8 bags
- Cookies - 10 packs
- Mini sandwiches - 250 pieces
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cucumber - 12 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 6 crates
- Grapes - 8 kilograms
- Apples - 100 pieces
- Bananas - 60 pieces
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 3 bottles
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 can
- Napkins - 1000 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Hand soap - 8 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 6 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 3 rolls
- Cling film - 3 rolls

Tips

Plan at least one table for artist check-in and one separate table for refreshments; add roughly one folding chair for every performer or crew member who needs a seat during the day.
For outdoor sound, prepare one battery-powered speaker and one wireless microphone for each active performance area, plus a power bank for every speaker or microphone that cannot run through the mains.
Measure cable routes before buying extension cords and cable mats. Keep cables off pedestrian paths and use cable ties to secure loose sections; pack at least two spare ties for every cable run.
Bring crowd-control equipment for every access point: traffic barriers or bollards, cones and barrier tape. Add one walkie-talkie per key crew position, such as stage management, entrance control and site safety.
Do not leave cups and lighting until the final day. Allow two reusable cups per expected guest for a short event, and bring battery lanterns or LED construction lights for every dark access route and backstage area.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for a street theater event?: Plan for outdoor furniture, battery-powered speakers, wireless microphones, extension cords, cable mats, lighting, barriers, signage materials, walkie-talkies and reusable cups. The exact quantity depends on the number of playing areas, performers and visitors.
How many chairs and tables do I need for street theater?: Start with one chair for each performer and crew member who needs a seat, then add audience seating only where your layout requires it. Allow at least two tables for check-in, refreshments or artist reception, plus one high table for every busy service point.
How much lighting is needed for an outdoor street theater event?: Provide one light source for each entrance, route, backstage area and service point that becomes dark. Use battery lanterns for access routes and LED construction lights where performers or crew need brighter working light; test everything at least one evening before the event.
How many reusable cups should I buy for a street theater event?: Allow two reusable cups per expected guest for a short event, with extra cups for performers and crew. Add a further 10% if there is no reliable washing point or if guests are likely to keep cups throughout the program.

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