Talent Show Shopping List

A talent show needs more than a stage and a microphone. You’ll need reliable sound equipment, clear lighting, seating for the audience and jury, and a simple setup for registration and refreshments. This shopping list also covers the small items people often remember too late, such as extension cords, cable tape, directional signs and tableware. Check quantities against your guest list and venue layout before you shop.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Stage sectionsqty 6
Judges' table
Buffet tablesqty 4
Registration desk
Chairsqty 120
Stoolsqty 6
Clothes racksqty 2

Equipment

Speakersqty 2
Mixer
Wireless microphonesqty 3
Microphone standsqty 3
Laptop
DI boxesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 6
Gaffer tapeqty 4

Lighting

LED spotlightsqty 6
String lightsqty 4
Lighting extension cordsqty 4

Decorations

Balloonsqty 150
Balloon pumpqty 2
Buntingqty 8
Backdrop
Tableclothsqty 8
Directional signsqty 8
Sticky tackqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 150
Reusable platesqty 120
Reusable cutleryqty 150
Coffee cupsqty 80
Tea glassesqty 80
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving utensilsqty 12

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coolersqty 4
Ice bucketsqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 4
Tongs and spatulasqty 6
Dishpanqty 2
Water jugsqty 6
Drink dispensersqty 3

Cleaning

Broomqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Mopqty 2
Bucketsqty 3
Cleaning glovesqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Tea bag assortment - 160 pieces
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Mints - 1 box
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Ice cubes - 12 bags
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salsa sauce - 4 jars
- Salted sticks - 4 bags
- Snack mix - 4 bags
- Popcorn - 4 bags
- Mini cucumbers - 3 kilos
- Carrots - 3 kilos
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Herb cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Crackers - 8 packs
- Mini sandwiches - 120 pieces
- Cheese slices - 3 kilos
- Ham - 2 kilos
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilos
- Vegetarian spreads - 12 tubs
- Young cheese cubes - 2 kilos
- Mini meatballs - 4 kilo
- Vegetarian snacks - 3 kilos
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Bread bags - 2 packs
- Labels - 2 packs
- Ballpoint pens - 20 pieces

Paper goods

Jury formsqty 40
Program leafletsqty 150
Name stickersqty 150
Registration formsqty 80
Pensqty 30
Clipboardsqty 10

Prizes

Trophy
Medal ribbonsqty 3
Gift vouchersqty 3

Safety

Cable matsqty 8
Non-slip matsqty 6
Flashlightsqty 4

Store away

Plastic containersqty 12
Clothing coversqty 20
Transport cartsqty 2

Tips

Plan at least one chair per expected audience member, then add separate seating for the jury, performers waiting offstage and registration volunteers. If performers change outfits, include clothes racks and enough space for them away from the audience.
For sound, check every act’s technical requirements before buying or borrowing equipment. Allow enough microphone stands, DI boxes and extension cords for the programme rather than relying on one shared setup.
Bring more cable management supplies than you expect to use: keep gaffer tape and power strips available for every cable route, and test the full system at least 2 hours before doors open.
Count reusable cups, plates and cutlery for the maximum number of guests, not just the performers. Add coffee cups separately, because drink service often continues after the show has started.
Prepare directional signs before the event day and place them at the entrance, registration desk, toilets and performance area. Pack sticky tack with the signs so they can be mounted immediately.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a talent show?: Plan for speakers, a mixer, wireless microphones, microphone stands and a laptop for playback. Add DI boxes if performers connect instruments or other audio sources, and test all equipment at least 2 hours before the show.
How many chairs do I need for a talent show?: Provide one chair for each expected audience member, plus separate chairs for the jury, registration team and performers who are waiting. For 80 guests, start with at least 80 audience chairs and add the event team’s seating separately.
What should I buy for talent show stage lighting?: Use LED spotlights to light the performance area and bring lighting extension cords long enough to reach safe power points. Test the lighting layout at least 1 hour before doors open so performers are visible from every audience section.
How much tableware do I need for a talent show?: Prepare one reusable cup, plate and set of cutlery per guest, then add a 10% buffer for replacements and volunteers. Count coffee cups separately, especially if refreshments will be served before and after the performances.

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