Talent show shopping list: everything to bring

A talent show needs more than a stage and a microphone. Plan for the audience, judges, performers waiting backstage and the technical setup that keeps each act moving. This shopping list covers furniture, sound and lighting equipment, cables, decorations and practical supplies. Check technical requirements with every participant before buying or packing anything, especially adapters, DI boxes and spare batteries.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Stage sectionsqty 6
Stage steps
Chairsqty 120
Tablesqty 12
Changing room screensqty 4
Clothes racksqty 2
Check-in desk
Judges' table

Equipment

Active speakersqty 2
Subwoofersqty 2
Mixer
Wireless microphonesqty 3
Microphone standsqty 3
Laptop
Audio cablesqty 8
Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 6
DI boxesqty 2
Spare batteriesqty 12

Lighting

LED spotlightsqty 6
Light standsqty 2
Mood lightingqty 4
Cable matsqty 8

Decorations

Balloonsqty 150
Balloon ribbonqty 2
Buntingqty 12
Backdrop cloth
Star foilqty 4
Tapeqty 6
Cable tiesqty 100

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 150
Platesqty 120
Cutlery setsqty 120
Coffee cupsqty 60
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving tongsqty 8

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Serving spoonsqty 8
Aluminum foilqty 2
Food storage containersqty 12

Cleaning

Broomqty 2
Floor squeegeesqty 2
Bucketsqty 3
Cleaning clothsqty 12
Hand broomsqty 2

Catering

Prizesqty 3
Medal ribbonsqty 3
Certificatesqty 30
Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 2 kilograms
- Sweetener - 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 - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Ice cubes - 10 kilograms
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Brown rolls - 60 pieces
- White rolls - 60 pieces
- Whole wheat wraps - 40 pieces
- Butter - 1 kilogram
- Hummus - 2 kilograms
- Cream cheese - 1 kilogram
- Young cheese - 2 kilograms
- Cooked ham - 1 kilogram
- Chicken breast slices - 1 kilogram
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Strawberry jam - 2 jars
- Cucumbers - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Bell peppers - 2 kilograms
- Carrots - 2 kilogram
- Iceberg lettuce - 6 heads
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Grapes - 4 kilograms
- Apples - 60 pieces
- Bananas - 40 pieces
- Mandarins - 60 pieces
- Paprika chips - 12 bags
- Plain chips - 12 bags
- Tortilla chips - 8 bags
- Snack mix - 6 bags
- Popcorn - 6 bags
- Rice cakes - 8 packs
- Mini pretzels - 6 bags
- Gluten-free crackers - 4 packs
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Brownies - 120 pieces
- Muffins - 100 pieces
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Garlic sauce - 2 bottles
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Salt - 1 pack
- Black pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Lemon juice - 1 bottle
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper table runners - 12 pieces
- Bamboo skewers - 500 pieces
- Aluminum trays - 20 pieces
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Dishwasher tablets - 30 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant spray - 2 bottles
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Paper towels - 8 packs
- Bandages - 2 boxes
- Marker pens - 2 boxes

Tips

Plan at least 1 chair per audience member, plus separate seating for the judges and performers waiting offstage. Add 1 table for check-in and 1 judges’ table so forms and certificates stay organised.
For sound, prepare 1 mixer, at least 2 active speakers and enough microphone stands for the planned acts. Pack spare batteries and test every wireless microphone with the laptop and music files before the event.
Measure cable runs before choosing extension cords, power strips and cable mats. Keep at least 1 spare audio cable and secure every crossing with cable mats or tape before doors open.
Create a simple backstage changing area with screens, clothes racks and enough space for performers to change without blocking stage access. Set this up before the first participant arrives.
Buy prizes and certificates early enough to check names and categories. Order balloons, bunting, a backdrop cloth and star foil only after confirming the stage dimensions and available fixing points.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a talent show?: At minimum, plan for a mixer, 2 active speakers, microphones, microphone stands, a laptop, audio cables and power supplies. Add subwoofers, DI boxes and extra microphones when participant requirements or the venue layout call for them.
How many chairs and tables do I need for a talent show?: Allow 1 chair per audience member, then add chairs for the judges and volunteers. Plan for at least 1 check-in table and 1 judges’ table; add more tables if performers need a separate registration or prize area.
When should I buy talent show prizes and certificates?: Order prizes at least 2 weeks before the show so delivery and substitutions do not affect the program. Prepare certificates after the participant list and award categories are confirmed, then check every spelling before printing.
How early should I test the talent show sound equipment?: Complete a full sound and lighting test at least 2 hours before the audience arrives. Test each microphone, music file, cable, DI box and spotlight separately, then run one complete act from the planned program.

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