Talent Show Shopping List

A talent show needs more than a stage and a microphone. You need a reliable sound setup, clear lighting, furniture for performers and judges, and practical supplies for registration and catering. This shopping list covers the items people often remember too late, such as spare equipment, power distribution and signs. Check quantities against your venue, performer count and expected audience before buying or borrowing anything.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Furniture

Stage sectionsqty 6
Jury tablesqty 2
Catering tablesqty 4
Reception desk
Chairsqty 120
Stoolsqty 8
Clothes racksqty 2
Waste binsqty 6

Equipment

Active speakersqty 2
Mixer
Wireless microphonesqty 3
Microphone standsqty 3
Monitor speaker
Laptop
Spare laptop
DI boxqty 2
Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 6
Gaffer tapeqty 4
Calculatorsqty 3
Power banksqty 4
USB sticksqty 3

Lighting

LED spotlightsqty 4
Light standsqty 2
Mood lightingqty 4

Decorations

Competition banner
Balloon archesqty 2
Tableclothsqty 8
Stage backdrop
Directional signsqty 8

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 150
Coffee cupsqty 60
Platesqty 120
Cutlery setsqty 120
Serving plattersqty 12
Pouring jugsqty 6

Kitchen

Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef's knifeqty 2
Serving tongsqty 6
Measuring cupsqty 2
Ice packsqty 12

Cleaning

Broomqty 2
Vacuum cleaner
Mopsqty 2
Bucketsqty 3
Cleaning glovesqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Tea assortment - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Mints - 1 box
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Chocolate milk - 4 liters
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Ice tea - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Ice cubes - 12 bags
- Croissants - 60 pieces
- Mini muffins - 100 pieces
- Mini brownies - 100 pieces
- Mini cheese rolls - 80 pieces
- Mini vegetable pies - 60 pieces
- Wraps - 40 pieces
- Hummus - 2 kilos
- Cream cheese - 1 kilo
- Young cheese - 1,5 kilo
- Cooked ham - 1 kilo
- Smoked chicken breast - 1 kilo
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Carrots - 2 kilo
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Apples - 60 pieces
- Bananas - 40 pieces
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salsa - 4 jars
- Nut mix - 2 kilo
- Gluten-free crackers - 4 packs
- Vegan cookies - 4 packs
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Vegan spread - 4 packs
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Napkins - 400 pieces
- Paper straws - 200 pieces
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Catering boxes - 20 pieces
- Ziplock bags - 2 boxes
- Trash bags - 4 rolls
- Compostable trash bags - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Liquid hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 4 bottles
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 1 bottle
- Sponges - 2 packs
- Microfiber cloths - 2 packs
- Paper towels - 4 packs
- Pens - 30 pieces
- Pencils - 20 pieces
- Printer paper - 2 packs
- Printer ink - 1 set
- Name stickers - 150 pieces
- Wristbands - 150 pieces
- Tape - 6 rolls
- Double-sided tape - 4 rolls
- Cable ties - 200 pieces
- AA batteries - 24 pieces
- AAA batteries - 24 pieces
- Trophy cups - 3 pieces
- Medals - 20 pieces
- Gift vouchers - 3 pieces
- Balloons - 200 pieces
- Confetti - 6 bags
- Bandage strips - 2 boxes

Tips

Plan at least two wireless microphones if performers will speak, sing or introduce acts. Keep one microphone available as a backup so a battery or connection problem does not stop the programme.
Bring one spare laptop and save the music files on both laptops before the event. Test every track through the mixer and speakers at least one day before the show.
Use enough extension cords and power strips to reach the sound desk, lighting stands and stage area without creating loose cables across walkways. Secure cable runs with gaffer tape during setup.
Prepare a separate table for registration and another for catering. Add directional signs before guests arrive; people looking for the reception desk or seating should not need to ask the technical team.
Count reusable cups, coffee cups and plates for the full audience, then add roughly 10% extra. Order or collect catering supplies several days before the show so missing tableware can still be replaced.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a talent show?: Plan for active speakers, a mixer, wireless microphones, microphone stands, a monitor speaker, a laptop and a spare laptop. Add a DI box if an act brings an instrument or playback device, and test the full setup at least 24 hours before the show.
How many microphones do I need for a talent show?: Two wireless microphones cover most small talent shows: one in use and one ready as a backup. Add microphone stands for any microphones that must remain fixed on stage, and keep spare batteries available for the entire programme.
How early should I set up the talent show sound system?: Allow at least 3 hours for stage sections, speakers, mixer, lighting and cable management. Finish the soundcheck 60 minutes before doors open, leaving time to correct music files or microphone problems.
How many cups and plates should I buy for a talent show?: Count one plate and at least one reusable cup per guest, plus around 10% extra. For coffee service, plan one coffee cup per expected serving and confirm the final headcount at least 3 days before ordering catering.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.