What to Buy for a Talent Show

A talent show needs more than a stage and a microphone. You will need reliable audio, spare cables and batteries, clear lighting, tableware, drinks and a simple way to manage acts and equipment. Buy or collect technical backups before the event, because replacing a missing adapter or dead battery during the show is difficult. This shopping list covers the practical supplies that keep performances, judging and refreshments moving without last-minute shopping.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Chairsqty 110
Tablesqty 12
Judges' table
Entrance table
Clothing rack
Stoolsqty 6

Equipment

Speakersqty 2
Mixer
Wireless microphonesqty 3
Microphone standsqty 3
Laptop
Spare laptop
HDMI cablesqty 2
Audio cablesqty 6
Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 6
USB sticksqty 3
Stage sectionsqty 6
Backdrop cloth
Storage binsqty 8
Cable traysqty 10
Gaffer tapeqty 4
Spare batteriesqty 24
Hand trucksqty 2

Lighting

LED spotlightsqty 4
Mood lightingqty 4
Battery lampsqty 6

Tableware

Reusable drinking glassesqty 150
Coffee cupsqty 80
Platesqty 120
Cutlery setsqty 120
Small bowlsqty 20
Serving traysqty 10
Coffee potsqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4

Kitchen

Coolersqty 4
Ice containersqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 4
Kitchen knivesqty 4
Serving utensilsqty 8
Water jugsqty 8
Bottle openersqty 3
Thermos cupsqty 4

Decorations

Balloonsqty 150
Balloon pumpqty 2
Buntingqty 12
Tableclothsqty 12
Plantsqty 8
Name badgesqty 30
Prize trophiesqty 3
Certificatesqty 25
Photo backdrop
Photo booth propsqty 20
Directional signsqty 8

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 10 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Iced tea - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Ice cubes - 12 bags
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Snacks - 5 bags
- Popcorn - 4 bags
- Mini pretzels - 4 bags
- Cheese cubes - 3 kilograms
- Grapes - 4 kilograms
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Carrots - 3 kilograms
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Hummus - 8 tubs
- Herb cream cheese - 6 tubs
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Mini rolls - 120 pieces
- Mild cheese - 3 kilograms
- Cooked ham - 2 kilograms
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilograms
- Vegetarian spreads - 8 tubs
- Butter - 1 kilogram
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Pickles - 2 jars
- Olives - 3 jars
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper straws - 200 pieces
- Coffee filters - 100 pieces
- Teaspoons - 100 pieces
- Cocktail sticks - 300 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Liquid hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 4 bottles
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Large trash bags - 30 pieces
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Disinfectant spray - 2 bottles
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 30 pieces
- Sponges - 10 pieces
- Microfiber cloths - 12 pieces
- Toilet blocks - 6 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 packs
- Bandages - 2 boxes
- Pens - 30 pieces
- A4 paper - 2 packs
- Print ink - 2 cartridges
- Ballot slips - 150 pieces
- Wristbands - 150 pieces
- Name stickers - 100 pieces
- Cable ties - 100 pieces
- Tape - 6 rolls
- Markers - 12 pieces
- AA batteries - 24 pieces
- AAA batteries - 24 pieces

Tips

Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one drink per person for each additional hour. Chill the drinks before the venue opens and keep a separate supply for performers and the jury.
Bring a reserve laptop, two USB sticks and duplicate copies of every music file. Test each file on the playback laptop before the show, rather than discovering a compatibility problem at soundcheck.
Pack at least one spare battery set for every wireless microphone and bring extra batteries for LED spots and battery lamps. Label cables and keep the spares together in one opberbak.
Use cable covers or gaffer tape wherever audio, HDMI or extension cables cross a walking route. Set up the jury table, entrance table and performance area at least 60 minutes before the first act.
Count reusable glasses, coffee cups and plates against the expected audience, performers and crew, then add a 10% buffer. Do not forget serving space, a clothing rack for costumes and a separate place for equipment cases.

Frequently asked questions

How many drinks do I need for a talent show?: Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, followed by one drink per person for every additional hour. Add extra drinks for performers, the jury and the crew.
What technical equipment is needed for a talent show?: At minimum, prepare speakers, a mixing desk, wireless microphones, microphone stands, a laptop, HDMI and audio cables, extension leads and power strips. Bring a reserve laptop, two USB sticks and spare batteries as backups.
How early should I set up the talent show equipment?: Start setting up at least 60 minutes before doors open, and allow another 30 minutes if the venue or sound system is unfamiliar. Test every microphone, music file, light and power connection before the audience arrives.
How many plates and cups should I buy for a talent show?: Count one plate and one reusable drink glass per expected guest, performer and crew member, then add a 10% buffer. Provide coffee cups separately if hot drinks are being served.

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