Talent Show Shopping List

A talent show needs more than snacks and a microphone. You will need serving supplies for guests, reliable sound equipment for performers, and small items that keep the programme running smoothly. Use this list alongside your programme and participant numbers. Check technical requirements before shopping, especially if acts need music, multiple microphones or instruments. Buy or reserve equipment early, then test every connection before guests arrive.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 70
Coat racksqty 2

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 100
Coffee cupsqty 50
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Serving plattersqty 10
Serving spoonsqty 8
Water jugsqty 6

Decorations

Backdrop cloth
Buntingqty 8
Tableclothsqty 8
Information boardsqty 4
Name badgesqty 80

Equipment

Speakersqty 2
Wireless microphonesqty 3
Microphone standsqty 3
Audio mixing console
Laptop
USB stick
Music standsqty 3
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 6

Lighting

LED lightsqty 4
String lightsqty 4

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 4
Bread knivesqty 3
Kitchen knivesqty 3
Serving tongsqty 6

Cleaning

Broomsqty 2
Dustpansqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Bucketsqty 2
Cleaning clothsqty 12

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Still mineral water - 8 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 6 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Lemonade syrup - 2 bottles
- Ice cubes - 6 bags
- Kaiser rolls - 80 pieces
- Gluten-free rolls - 8 pieces
- Unsalted butter - 2 packs
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Back ham - 1 kilo
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Arugula - 4 bags
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 4 bags
- Salty sticks - 4 bags
- Popcorn - 4 bags
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Spice cake - 3 pieces
- Apples - 5 kilo
- Bananas - 3 kilos
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Mini cupcakes - 80 pieces
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant spray - 2 bottles
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls

Tips

Plan around two to three drinks per guest for the first hour, then about one drink per person for each additional hour. Include water in jugs as well as other drinks, and chill them before the event.
Allow one plate, one cutlery set and one reusable cup per guest, plus at least 10% extra. Serve snacks on several platters so guests are not waiting at one table.
Prepare one name card for every participant, organiser and volunteer who needs to be identified. Print the programme and presentation notes before the day rather than relying on a laptop alone.
Match the sound setup to the acts: check how many wireless microphones are needed, whether microphone stands are required, and whether the audio mixer has enough inputs for music and instruments.
Pack at least one USB stick with the final music files and presentation material. Bring extension reels and power strips, and test the speakers, microphones and laptop together before the first performance.

Frequently asked questions

How much food and drink do I need for a talent show?: For drinks, plan on two to three per person during the first hour and one per person for each extra hour. For snacks, allow roughly two to four portions per guest, with extra servings for a longer programme.
How many microphones do I need for a talent show?: Count the performers who may speak or sing at the same time, then add one spare if possible. Test every wireless microphone at least 30 minutes before doors open.
When should I buy supplies for a talent show?: Buy non-perishable serving items, decorations and name-card supplies at least one week ahead. Buy fresh food one or two days before the event, and chill drinks several hours before guests arrive.
What sound equipment is needed for a talent show?: A basic setup includes speakers, wireless microphones, microphone stands, an audio mixer, a laptop or playback device, power strips and extension reels. Collect technical requirements from every act at least one week in advance.

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