Talent show shopping list

A talent show needs more than a stage and a microphone. Plan the practical setup for performers, judges, the audience and the technical crew, including seating, power, sound, lighting and signage. Check equipment against each act’s requirements before the event, especially music playback, microphones and stage monitors. This shopping list helps you see what to buy, hire or bring so missing cables, batteries or backstage essentials do not delay the programme.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Stage sectionsqty 6
Stage stepsqty 2
Chairsqty 120
Foldable tablesqty 12
Jury tablesqty 2
Bar stoolsqty 4
Coat racksqty 2
Waste binsqty 6
Changing room screensqty 4
Clothes hangersqty 40
Backstage tablesqty 3
Backstage chairsqty 12
Voting boothsqty 2
Ballot boxesqty 2
Puppet tent
Presentation table

Equipment

Mixer
Speakersqty 2
Stage monitorsqty 2
Wireless microphonesqty 4
Microphone standsqty 4
Laptop
Music player
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 8
Cable traysqty 12
Spare batteriesqty 24
USB sticksqty 4
Spare chargerqty 2
Smoke detectorqty 2
Fire blanketqty 2
Program display
Presentation clicker
HDMI cablesqty 3
Laptop stand
Tape dispensersqty 3
Gaffer tapeqty 8
Cable tiesqty 100
Metronome
Instrument standsqty 6
Music standsqty 6
Guitar standsqty 4
Walkie-talkiesqty 6
Spare cables

Lighting

Stage spotlightsqty 4
Light standsqty 2
Mood lightingqty 8
LED lightsqty 10

Decorations

Balloonsqty 150
Balloon standsqty 4
Buntingqty 12
Backdrop
Star foilqty 6
Tableclothsqty 14
Wayfinding signsqty 8
Program boardsqty 4
Gold star stickersqty 2
Red carpet
Photo backdrop
Photo wall accessories
Winners board
Prize tablecloth
Cable protectionqty 10
Stage curtainsqty 2
Participant number tagsqty 30
Name badgesqty 40
Judge name signsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 150
Wine glassesqty 40
Platesqty 130
Cutlery setsqty 130
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving spoonsqty 8
Coffee cupsqty 60
Thermos flasksqty 6
Coffee spoonsqty 60
Sugar bowlsqty 6
Serving traysqty 8

Kitchen

Coolersqty 4
Ice cube traysqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Kitchen knivesqty 3
Bread basketsqty 4
Serving tongsqty 6
Serving spoonsqty 6
Corkscrewsqty 2
Bottle openersqty 3
Kettlesqty 2
Coffee machinesqty 2
Ice packsqty 16
Hot traysqty 4
Table coolersqty 4

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 4
Mopsqty 4
Broom setsqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 3
Cleaning glovesqty 8
Laundry basketsqty 4
Cleaning brushesqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Mints - 1 box
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemons - 8 pieces
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Bitter lemon - 4 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Beer - 5 crates
- Alcohol-free beer - 2 crates
- White wine - 8 bottles
- Rosé - 4 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- Prosecco - 3 bottles
- Ice cubes - 12 bags
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 5 bags
- Cocktail nuts - 4 bags
- Olives - 4 jars
- Pickles - 3 jars
- Salty sticks - 4 bags
- Popcorn - 4 bags
- Mini spring rolls - 4 boxes
- Bitterballen - 5 boxes
- Mini frikandellen - 3 boxes
- Vegetarian bitterballen - 3 boxes
- Vegan Vegetable Balls - 2 boxes
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Sweet chili sauce - 2 bottles
- Garlic sauce - 2 bottles
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Mini bake-off rolls - 60 pieces
- Butter - 4 packs
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Shoulder ham - 1 kilo
- Chicken breast topping - 1 kilo
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Carrots - 2 kilo
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Brownies - 4 trays
- Mini muffins - 5 boxes
- Chocolate - 4 bars
- Gluten-free crackers - 3 packs
- Gluten-free sandwiches - 12 pieces
- Vegan spreads - 4 tubs
- Vegan cookies - 3 packs
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 60 pieces
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 1 pack
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Sponges - 2 packs
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Paper towels - 6 packs
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Labels - 2 packs
- Highlighters - 2 sets
- Pens - 30 pieces
- Paper cups for backstage - 100 pieces
- Snack trays - 150 pieces
Cake knife
Serving platters for cakeqty 4
Drink dispensersqty 3
Water jugsqty 6
Milk jugsqty 4
Coffee filtersqty 2
Thermo cups for backstageqty 30

Tips

Allow at least one microphone for the host and each live vocal act, plus one spare if several performances use microphones. Check wireless microphone batteries before doors open and keep a spare set ready.
Measure the performance area before hiring stage sections and steps. Leave clear access to the stage and keep cable trays or taped cable routes away from audience walkways.
Plan one jury table and chair per judging position, with the judging forms, pens and a clear view of the stage. Put the jury where they can hear performances without standing next to the speakers.
Bring at least two extension cords and power strips for the laptop, music player, mixer and lighting, then confirm the required cable lengths with technical support. Keep spare batteries available for wireless microphones and other battery-powered equipment.
Prepare wayfinding signs before the day, not during guest arrival. Have separate signs for registration, seating, toilets and the performance area, and keep prizes, trophies and audience tickets together at the entrance or presentation desk.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a talent show?: Plan a mixer, speakers, stage monitors, wireless microphones, microphone stands, a laptop or music player, extension cords, power strips and cable trays. Confirm the number of microphones and monitor outputs with every performer at least 7 days before the show.
How many chairs and tables do I need for a talent show?: Provide one chair per expected audience member, plus chairs for performers waiting offstage and the jury. Use one jury table for each judging group and add at least one separate table for registration, tickets or prizes.
How many microphones are needed for a talent show?: Count one microphone for the host, one for each simultaneous singer or speaker, and at least one spare. Test every microphone with the mixer and speakers during a soundcheck 2 to 3 hours before the audience arrives.
What should I buy for talent show decorations?: Plan a backdrop, tablecloths, bunting, balloons, balloon stands, star foil, mood lighting or LED lights, and wayfinding signs. Install decorations at least 2 hours before doors open and keep all fabric and balloons clear of spotlights, cables and exits.

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