Talent Show Shopping List

A talent show needs more than a stage and a microphone. Plan equipment for performers, judges, presenters and the audience, then add serving items for breaks and refreshments. The number of microphones, chairs and glasses depends on your guest list, while cables, batteries and backup files should be prepared before the event day. Use this list to check what must be bought, borrowed or brought to the venue.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 12
Chairsqty 120
Clothes racksqty 2
Judges' table
Presentation table
Stage sectionsqty 6

Equipment

Speakersqty 2
Mixer
Wireless microphonesqty 3
Microphone standsqty 3
DI boxesqty 3
Laptop
Audio cablesqty 10
Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 8
Gaffer tapeqty 4
Music standsqty 6
USB stickqty 2

Lighting

LED spotlightsqty 6
String lightsqty 4
Batteriesqty 24

Tableware

Glassesqty 150
Coffee cupsqty 80
Platesqty 150
Forksqty 150
Knivesqty 80
Spoonsqty 80
Serving spoonsqty 8
Small bowlsqty 20
Serving boardsqty 8

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 6
Coolersqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knifeqty 3
Scissorsqty 3
Measuring cupsqty 2
Serving tongsqty 6
Washing-up tubsqty 3
Bottle openersqty 4

Decorations

Balloonsqty 150
Balloon pumpqty 2
Buntingqty 10
Tableclothsqty 12
Stage curtainqty 2
Name badgesqty 140
Pensqty 30
Prizesqty 3
Vouchersqty 3

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Floor squeegeesqty 2
Broom setsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 3
Cleaning clothsqty 20
Toilet brushesqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 10 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Beer - 6 crates
- Alcohol-free beer - 2 crates
- White wine - 6 bottles
- Rosé - 4 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- Tonic - 4 bottles
- Lemonade - 6 bottles
- Ice cubes - 10 bags
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salted peanuts - 4 bags
- Snack mix - 4 bags
- Olives - 6 jars
- Pickles - 4 jars
- Cheese cubes - 5 kilogram
- Brie - 2 kilograms
- Grapes - 5 kilograms
- Apples - 5 kilograms
- Mandarins - 4 kilogram
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Carrots - 4 kilograms
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Peppers - 3 kilograms
- Hummus - 12 tubs
- Garlic sauce - 4 bottles
- Sweet chili sauce - 4 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Baguettes - 20 pieces
- Mini rolls - 150 pieces
- Butter - 1 kilogram
- Mild cheese - 3 kilograms
- Cooked ham - 2 kilograms
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilogram
- Plain hummus - 2 kilograms
- Egg salad - 2 kilograms
- Herb cheese - 1 kilogram
- Lettuce - 10 heads
- Herbs - 3 jars
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Limes - 2 kilograms
- Lemons - 2 kilograms
- Mini brownies - 120 pieces
- Mini muffins - 120 pieces
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Chocolate - 5 kilograms
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 4 bottles
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Freezer bags - 2 boxes

Tips

Allow one chair per audience member, plus 4 to 6 extra chairs for performers, presenters and jury members. Keep the jury table and presentation table separate from the audience seating.
Prepare at least 2 wireless microphones for a talent show with presenters and performers. Test every microphone, audio cable, DI box and speaker connection at least 2 hours before doors open.
Bring 2 copies of the music files: one on the laptop and one on a USB stick. Keep the USB stick with the organiser rather than leaving it connected to the sound desk.
For drinks, plan 2 to 3 glasses per person for the first hour, then 1 to 2 more per person for each additional hour. Match the number of glasses, coffee cups, plates and cutlery to the confirmed guest count.
Buy or collect batteries, extension cables, power strips and gaffer tape before the final setup. Keep spare batteries and tape at the sound desk, where small technical problems can be fixed without interrupting an act.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for a talent show?: You need seating and tables, a defined performance area, speakers, a mixer, microphones, stands, audio cables, power supplies and basic lighting. Also prepare music files, a laptop or USB stick, serving items, printed programmes, name badges and prizes.
How many microphones do I need for a talent show?: Plan for 2 wireless microphones for presenters and performers, and add more if acts need to speak or sing at the same time. Test all microphones with the speakers and mixer at least 2 hours before the audience arrives.
How many drinks and glasses do I need for a talent show?: Allow 2 to 3 drinks per person during the first hour and 1 to 2 drinks per person for every following hour. Provide at least one clean glass per planned drink round, with extra glasses for spills and late arrivals.
When should I prepare the talent show equipment?: Check the shopping and borrowing list 7 days before the event, then test the full sound and lighting setup at least 2 hours before the start. Prepare printed programmes, name badges, music files and prizes no later than the day before.

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