Talent show shopping list

A talent show needs more than a stage and a microphone. You will need reliable sound equipment, safe cable management, seating for the audience and jury, serving items, and clear signs to keep people moving. Buy or collect the items below early enough to test the microphones, music player and speakers before guests arrive. Food, drinks and disposable or reusable tableware are easy to underestimate, especially when performers and jury members stay for the full programme.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Stage sectionsqty 6
Chairsqty 100
Foldable tablesqty 12
Judges' table
Coat racksqty 2
Stoolsqty 4

Equipment

Active speakersqty 2
Mixer
Wireless microphonesqty 4
Microphone standsqty 4
Laptop
Music player
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Gaffer tapeqty 4

Lighting

LED spotlightsqty 4
String lightsqty 4

Decorations

Backdrop cloth
Balloonsqty 100
Balloon pumpqty 2
Buntingqty 8
Stage sign
Directional signsqty 8

Tableware

Reusable glassesqty 120
Reusable cupsqty 120
Platesqty 120
Cutlery setsqty 120
Serving spoonsqty 8

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coolersqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Knivesqty 6
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving traysqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Sinas - 5 bottles
- Ice tea - 5 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 10 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Apples - 5 kilo
- Bananas - 3 kilos
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Carrots - 2 kilo
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Snacks - 4 bags
- Popcorn - 4 bags
- Cheese cubes - 3 kilo
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Ham - 1,5 kilo
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Crackers - 8 packs
- Butter - 4 packs
- Jam - 3 jars
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Vegetarian snacks - 6 packs
- Mini spring rolls - 6 packs
- Bitterballen - 8 boxes
- Mini frikandellen - 6 boxes
- Satay sauce - 3 jars
- Garlic sauce - 3 bottles
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper straws - 150 pieces
- Coffee cups - 150 pieces
- Teaspoons - 150 pieces
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles

Cleaning

Cleaning bucketsqty 3
Floor squeegeesqty 2
Broom and dustpanqty 2
Microfiber clothsqty 12
Glovesqty 6

Organization

Name badge holdersqty 120
Name badgesqty 120
Jury formsqty 120
Clipboardsqty 6
Pensqty 30
Prizesqty 3
Participant numbersqty 30
Printer paperqty 2
Tapeqty 4
Scissorsqty 4

Tips

Allow at least one chair per audience member, plus separate seating for the jury and performers waiting off stage. Set out a few extra chairs so late arrivals do not interrupt the programme.
Use one microphone for speaking and a spare wireless microphone if possible. Test both with the active speakers and mixer at least one day before the show, not just when the audience is entering.
Count extension cords and power strips before setup, then secure every cable crossing with gaffer tape. Keep lighting, speakers and the laptop on a tested power route rather than relying on one overloaded strip.
Prepare reusable glasses or cups, plates and cutlery for the maximum number of guests, performers and volunteers. Put serving spoons beside shared snacks and chill drinks before the first act begins.
Print programme sheets, name badges and directional signs before the event day. Keep the stage sign, arrow boards, backdrop and LED spotlights together so the room can be dressed without searching through boxes.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a talent show?: Plan for active speakers, a mixer, wireless microphones, microphone stands, a laptop or music player, extension cords, power strips and gaffer tape. Test the complete setup at least 24 hours before the show.
How many chairs do I need for a talent show?: Provide one chair per audience member, then add seats for the jury, presenter and volunteers. Keep at least 5 extra chairs available for unexpected guests or performers who need to sit down.
How much tableware do I need for a talent show?: Prepare one reusable glass or cup, plate and cutlery set per guest, plus at least 10% extra. For 50 people, that means 55 of each serving item before accounting for washing during the event.
When should I buy supplies for a talent show?: Buy decorations, tableware and cable supplies at least 3 to 5 days ahead. Collect or confirm rented furniture and sound equipment no later than the day before, leaving time for a full technical check.

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