What you need for a talent show

A talent show needs more than a stage and a microphone. Your shopping list must cover performers, judges, the audience, food service and the technical setup for every act. Plan equipment around the room and the number of performers, not just the running order. Small items such as spare cables, coat hangers and printed audience cards are easy to overlook and difficult to replace once the show has started.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 12
Chairsqty 120
Judges' table
Dressing room racksqty 4
Clothes hangersqty 60
Coat racksqty 2
Stage sectionsqty 6

Tableware

Reusable drinking glassesqty 150
Coffee cupsqty 80
Platesqty 150
Forksqty 150
Knivesqty 150
Spoonsqty 100
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving tongsqty 8
Coffee potsqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 6

Equipment

Active speakersqty 2
Wireless microphonesqty 3
Microphone standsqty 3
Mixer
Laptop
Audio cablesqty 8
Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 6
Cable matsqty 10
Music standsqty 4

Lighting

LED spotlightsqty 6
String lightsqty 8
Battery lanternsqty 6

Decorations

Balloonsqty 150
Balloon archqty 2
Backdrop cloth
Decorative starsqty 20
Tableclothsqty 12
Directional signsqty 12
Stage sign

Kitchen

Kettlesqty 2
Coffee machinesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Scissorsqty 3
Measuring cupsqty 2
Serving spoonsqty 6

Registration

Cash register
Cash box
Pensqty 30
Wristbandsqty 150
Name stickersqty 150
Jury formsqty 30
Clipboardsqty 8
Program bookletsqty 150
Paper tapeqty 6
Duct tapeqty 4
Notepadsqty 8

Catering

Prizesqty 3
Certificatesqty 20
Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Cocoa Powder - 1 canister
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Mints - 1 box
- Semi-skimmed milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Bitter lemon - 6 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 12 bottles
- Still mineral water - 18 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Ice cubes - 10 bags
- Beer - 6 crates
- Alcohol-free beer - 2 crates
- Tonic - 4 bottles
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Carrots - 3 kilos
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Apples - 60 pieces
- Bananas - 40 pieces
- Melons - 4 pieces
- Mini cucumbers - 2 kilo
- Cheese cubes - 3 kilo
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Brie - 1 kilo
- Hummus - 8 tubs
- Cream cheese - 6 tubs
- Herb butter - 6 tubs
- Baguettes - 20 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- Wraps - 8 packs
- Crackers - 8 packs
- Toast rounds - 8 packs
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Popcorn - 6 bags
- Salty pretzels - 4 bags
- Mini meatballs - 5 kilos
- Vegetarian meatballs - 2 kilos
- Mini frikandellen - 3 kilos
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 3 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Garlic sauce - 2 bottles
- Satay sauce - 2 jars
- Olives - 4 jars
- Pickles - 3 jars
- Mixed nuts - 2 kilos
- Raisins - 1 kilo
- Cookies - 12 packs
- Brownies - 8 boxes
- Mini muffins - 8 boxes
- Chocolate bars - 6 boxes
- Butter - 1 kilo
- Jam - 4 jars
- Peanut butter - 3 jars
- Chocolate sprinkles - 3 packs
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 36 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Hand soap - 6 dispensers
- Hand gel - 6 bottles

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Dustpan and brushqty 3
Bucketsqty 4
Mopsqty 4
Cleaning clothsqty 20

Tips

Allow one chair per audience member, plus 5–10 spare chairs for late arrivals, performers waiting offstage and volunteers. Set aside a separate jury table with one chair per judge.
Plan at least two wireless microphones for a live show so the presenter and performers can switch without stopping the programme. Keep spare batteries and test every microphone, cable and speaker before doors open.
Use one active speaker on each side of the performance area and bring at least two spare audio cables. Match the number of extension cords and power strips to the room layout, then cover every cable crossing with cable mats.
Prepare backstage space for every performer: provide one clothing rack section and one hanger per costume or outfit, with at least 10 extra hangers for bags and last-minute changes. Add coat racks near the entrance rather than using the backstage area for audience coats.
For refreshments, count one reusable glass per guest plus 10% spare, and prepare serving platters and tongs before food arrives. Plan around two drinks per person for the first hour, with coffee cups, plates and cutlery included for anyone eating.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a talent show?: For a basic show, plan active speakers, two wireless microphones, microphone stands, a mixer, a laptop, audio cables, extension cords, power strips and cable mats. Test the complete setup at least 2 hours before the audience arrives.
How many microphones do I need for a talent show?: Two wireless microphones cover a presenter and performer changes without constant handovers. Add a third microphone if acts regularly use more than one voice or instrument at the same time.
How many chairs should I buy for a talent show?: Count one chair for each expected audience member, then add 5–10% spare chairs. Keep separate chairs for judges, volunteers and performers waiting for their turn.
What should I prepare backstage for a talent show?: Provide clothing racks, one hanger per costume or outfit, coat racks and a clearly marked changing area. Prepare the backstage setup at least 60 minutes before the first performer arrives, and keep 10 extra hangers available.

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