What you need for a talent show

A talent show needs more than a stage and a microphone. You’ll need sound equipment that matches the room, enough seating and tables, clear signs, practical backstage storage and refreshments for the audience and performers. Use this shopping list alongside your running order and technical checks. Buy or borrow anything that needs testing at least a few days before the show, especially microphones, cables, speakers and lighting.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Stage sectionsqty 12
Stage steps
Audience chairsqty 120
Foldable tablesqty 12
Jury tablesqty 2
High tablesqty 6
Clothes racksqty 2
Coat racksqty 2

Equipment

Active speakersqty 2
Subwoofersqty 2
Mixer
Wireless microphonesqty 4
Microphone standsqty 4
DI boxesqty 3
Audio cablesqty 12
Extension cordsqty 10
Power stripsqty 8
Laptop for music
USB sticksqty 3
Presentation timer
Power banksqty 4
AA batteriesqty 24
AAA batteriesqty 24

Lighting

LED spotlightsqty 6
Light standsqty 2
String lightsqty 4
Battery lampsqty 8

Decorations

Backdrop cloth
Balloon archesqty 2
Balloonsqty 150
Buntingqty 8
Stage starsqty 12
Welcome sign
Program boardsqty 4
Tableclothsqty 14

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 180
Coffee cupsqty 100
Platesqty 150
Cutlery setsqty 150
Serving spoonsqty 12
Small bowlsqty 18
Pitchersqty 8

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knifeqty 3
Serving plattersqty 18
Serving traysqty 6
Pliersqty 8
Ice packsqty 24
Thermos flasksqty 6

Cleaning

Broomsqty 3
Floor squeegeesqty 2
Mopsqty 4
Bucketsqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 3
Cleaning cart

Other

Registration sign
Name badgesqty 150
Pensqty 30
Jury formsqty 150
Prizesqty 3
Certificatesqty 20
Wristbandsqty 150
Measuring tape
Duct tapeqty 6
Cable tiesqty 100
Scissorsqty 6
Markersqty 12

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Sweetener - 1 box
- Semi-skimmed milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 10 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Beer - 120 cans
- Alcohol-free beer - 36 cans
- Lemonade syrup - 2 bottles
- Ice cubes - 12 bags
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salted sticks - 6 bags
- Popcorn - 5 bags
- Party nuts - 5 bags
- Rice cakes - 4 packs
- Mini crackers - 6 packs
- Hummus - 8 tubs
- Cream cheese - 6 tubs
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Brie - 2 kilos
- Vegetarian tapenade - 4 jars
- Cucumbers - 10 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Carrots - 3 kilos
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Grapes - 5 kilos
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Mandarins - 40 pieces
- Mini sandwiches - 180 pieces
- Vegetarian wraps - 60 pieces
- Gluten-free crackers - 4 packs
- Vegan sandwiches - 30 pieces
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Honey - 1 jar
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Spice mix - 2 jars
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Coffee filters - 2 packs
- Stirrers - 300 pieces
- Toothpicks - 2 boxes
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Trash bags - 5 rolls
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 1 box
- Cleaning spray - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Paper towels - 6 packs
- Tissues - 6 boxes

Tips

Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then add one drink per person for each additional hour. Keep extra water available for performers and presenters.
Allow one microphone for each speaking or singing position, plus one spare if the budget and equipment allow. Test every wireless microphone with the sound system before doors open.
Keep at least two spare USB sticks and duplicate the music files on the show laptop. Collect performance tracks before the final rehearsal, rather than waiting until the event day.
Provide one chair for every audience member you expect, then add 5–10% if the room allows. Reserve a separate table for jury members so their forms, pens and scores stay organized.
Set up a clearly marked place for costumes and personal items using clothing or cloakroom racks. Add a welcome sign and programme boards before guests arrive so participants do not have to answer the same questions repeatedly.

Frequently asked questions

How much food and drink do I need for a talent show?: For drinks, plan two to three per person during the first hour and one more per person for every extra hour. For finger food, allow about 6–8 pieces per guest for a short show, or 10–12 pieces for a longer event.
What sound equipment do I need for a talent show?: At minimum, plan active speakers, a mixing desk, microphones, microphone stands, audio cables, extension cables and power strips. Add a subwoofer for music-heavy performances and a DI box for instruments or playback devices that need a direct connection.
How many microphones are needed for a talent show?: Use one microphone for each simultaneous performer or speaking position, plus one spare where possible. For a show with two presenters and one singer on stage at the same time, prepare at least three microphones and test them before the audience arrives.
When should I buy or prepare talent show supplies?: Finish the main shopping and equipment check at least three to five days before the show. Prepare signs, programme boards, USB backups and decorations the day before, leaving only final setup and chilled drinks for event day.

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