What to Buy for a Talent Show

A talent show needs more than a stage and a microphone. You need reliable sound, clear visibility, presentation materials, prizes and enough drinks for performers, judges and guests. Use the full checklist to match the setup to your acts, then buy consumables and backup items before the venue opens. The technical supplies deserve special attention: one missing cable, adapter or battery can delay the entire programme.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Stage sectionsqty 6
Stage steps
Tablesqty 10
Chairsqty 120
Stoolsqty 8
Coat racksqty 3
Clothes hangersqty 120
Bollardsqty 6

Equipment

Active speakersqty 2
Mixer
Wireless microphonesqty 3
Microphone standsqty 3
Laptop
Laptop stand
Music backup USBqty 2
Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 6
Cable traysqty 12
Spare batteriesqty 24

Lighting

LED spotlightsqty 6
Mood lightingqty 4
Light standsqty 2

Decorations

Balloonsqty 150
Balloon arch
Buntingqty 12
Starry backdropqty 2
Red carpet
Stage backdropqty 2
Tableclothsqty 10
Tapeqty 6
Cable tiesqty 100

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 150
Coffee cupsqty 60
Platesqty 120
Cutlery setsqty 120
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving tongsqty 8
Pitchersqty 8
Thermos flasksqty 4

Kitchen

Coolersqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 4
Bread knivesqty 3
Kitchen knivesqty 3
Pliersqty 4
Measuring cupsqty 2
Foilqty 3
Food storage containersqty 12
Bottle openersqty 3
Corkscrewsqty 2

Catering

Cash register
Cash box
Menu boardsqty 4
Name badgesqty 30
Jury formsqty 30
Ballotsqty 120
Prizesqty 3
Certificatesqty 30
Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Mints - 1 box
- Semi-skimmed milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 24 bottles
- Spa Rood - 12 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Ice cubes - 8 bags
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Bananas - 20 pieces
- Grapes - 4 tubs
- Mandarins - 30 pieces
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 6 tubs
- Carrots - 4 bags
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salted sticks - 4 bags
- Popcorn - 4 bags
- Mixed nuts - 3 bags
- Rice cakes - 4 packs
- Mini pizzas - 80 pieces
- Mini spring rolls - 80 pieces
- Cheese cubes - 3 kilo
- Boiled eggs - 30 pieces
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- White rolls - 60 pieces
- Wholemeal rolls - 40 pieces
- Butter - 4 tubs
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Ham - 2 kilos
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 8 tubs
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Jam - 2 jars
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Garlic sauce - 2 bottles
- Vegetarian wraps - 40 pieces
- Chicken wraps - 40 pieces
- Wrap vegetables - 8 kilos
- Yogurt dressing - 3 bottles
- Vegetarian meatballs - 4 kilos
- Bitterballen - 4 kilo
- Croquettes - 3 kilos
- Mini frikandellen - 3 kilos
- Vegetarian snacks - 3 kilos
- Sweet chili sauce - 2 bottles
- Satay sauce - 2 jars
- Allergy-free cookies - 4 packs
- Gluten-free crackers - 4 packs
- Vegan cookies - 4 packs
- Brownies - 4 trays
- Mini muffins - 120 pieces
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Chocolate bars - 60 pieces
- Coffee cream - 4 tubs
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 4 bottles
- Trash bags - 60 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Cleaning spray - 3 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Aluminum foil - 3 rolls
- Cling film - 3 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls

Tips

Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then about one drink per person for each additional hour. Chill them several hours before doors open rather than just before the show.
Bring spare batteries for every wireless microphone and keep them with the sound equipment. Test both microphones, the mixer, speakers and the music laptop during the venue check.
Buy or prepare certificates and prizes before the final act order is printed. Keep at least one spare certificate available in case a name changes or an extra award is added.
Allow one extension cord and one power strip for each separate technical area, then add spare tape and cable trays for securing leads. Mark cables before setup so performers and guests do not trip over them.
Match stage decoration to the performance space instead of buying it last minute. A backdrop, red carpet, spotlights and tablecloths need setup time, while balloons and bunting are easiest to install before the audience arrives.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to buy for a talent show?: Plan for drinks, prizes or certificates, stage and backdrop decorations, and technical supplies such as microphones, speakers, cables and spare batteries. The exact amount depends on the number of performers and guests, but every microphone should have a tested backup battery set.
How many drinks should I buy for a talent show?: Allow two to three drinks per person during the first hour, followed by roughly one drink per person per additional hour. Add a small buffer for performers, judges and unexpected guests, and chill the drinks several hours in advance.
How many microphones are needed for a talent show?: Start with one microphone for the host and one for acts that perform together or need a separate vocal microphone. For a small show, two wireless microphones are often practical; test them with the presenter before the audience arrives.
When should I buy talent show prizes and certificates?: Arrange prizes and certificates at least one week before the show, once the judging categories are confirmed. Print names only after registrations and the act order are final, ideally no later than the day before the event.

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