What to Buy for a Talent Show

A talent show needs more than a stage and a microphone. You need enough seating, reliable sound connections, clear lighting, serving equipment and practical supplies for performers, judges and guests. Use this shopping list alongside your run sheet and technical checks. Order or borrow specialist equipment early, especially active speakers, microphones, a mixer and stage sections. Buy disposable essentials, batteries and refreshments close to the event so they are fresh and available on the day.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Stage sectionsqty 6
Audience chairsqty 70
Foldable tablesqty 10
Judges' table
Bar stoolsqty 4
Coat racksqty 3
Waste binsqty 8
Clothes hangersqty 100
Clothing coversqty 20

Equipment

Active speakersqty 2
Microphonesqty 4
Microphone standsqty 3
Mixer
Laptop
Music standqty 2
DI boxqty 2
Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 6
XLR cablesqty 8
Spare batteriesqty 12
Spare laptop charger
USB sticksqty 3
Spare audio cablesqty 4

Lighting

LED spotlightsqty 4
Mood lightingqty 4
Light standsqty 2

Tableware

Reusable drinking glassesqty 90
Coffee cupsqty 50
Platesqty 90
Cutlery setsqty 90
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving spoonsqty 8

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coolersqty 4
Ice containersqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef's knivesqty 3
Serving tongsqty 6
Washing-up bowlsqty 3
Ice packsqty 12

Decorations

Balloonsqty 100
Balloon pumpqty 2
Buntingqty 8
Backdrop cloth
Tableclothsqty 10
Vasesqty 10
LED candlesqty 20
Name badgesqty 80
Program cardsqty 80
Directional signsqty 12
Markersqty 12
Tapeqty 6
Cable tiesqty 100
Jury formsqty 20
Clipboardsqty 8
Ballpoint pensqty 20
Certificatesqty 20
Trophiesqty 3
Gift vouchersqty 3
Envelopesqty 10
Wristbandsqty 100
Cloakroom numbersqty 100

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Tea selection - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Sweetener - 1 box
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Sinas - 5 bottles
- Bitter lemon - 4 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 8 bottles
- Still mineral water - 12 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Beer - 4 crates
- Alcohol-free beer - 2 crates
- White wine - 6 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- Rosé - 4 bottles
- Non-alcoholic wine - 3 bottles
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Tortilla chips - 4 bags
- Salsa sauce - 3 jars
- Mixed nuts - 3 bags
- Olives - 3 jars
- Salted breadsticks - 3 bags
- Mini sandwiches - 120 pieces
- Vegetarian wraps - 30 pieces
- Vegan wraps - 20 pieces
- Gluten-free rolls - 10 pieces
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Cream cheese - 3 tubs
- Herb butter - 3 tubs
- Cucumber - 6 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Brownies - 80 pieces
- Mini muffins - 80 pieces
- Cookies - 5 packs
- Chocolate - 4 bars
- Lemons - 10 pieces
- Whisked napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper straws - 100 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs

Cleaning

Broomqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Mop setsqty 2
Bucketsqty 3
Cleaning glovesqty 6
Microfiber clothsqty 12
All-purpose cleanerqty 3
Glass cleanerqty 2
Toilet cleanerqty 3
Trash can labelsqty 20

Tips

Plan one microphone for each speaking or singing position, plus spare batteries and at least one microphone stand. Check every XLR cable, DI box and music file before performers arrive.
Allow roughly 1.5 to 2 audience seats per expected guest if people may arrive in groups, and keep a clear route from the seating area to the stage. Add extra chairs for judges, presenters and late arrivals.
Use one power strip and extension cord for each separate technical area, then bring at least two spare cords. Keep audio and lighting cables secured so performers and audience members cannot trip over them.
For drinks, prepare about 2 to 3 servings per person for the first hour, then adjust for the remaining programme. Reusable glasses, coffee cups, kettles, coffee machines and thermos flasks are easy to overlook when catering is collected elsewhere.
Keep prizes, certificates, name badges, signage and the printed run sheet together in one labelled box. Prepare them at least one day before the show; replacing missing certificates or signs during check-in is difficult.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a talent show?: At minimum, plan for active speakers, microphones, microphone stands, a mixer, a laptop, suitable cables, a DI box and extension cords. Test the complete setup at least 24 hours before the show, including every performance music file.
How many microphones are needed for a talent show?: Start with one microphone per simultaneous performer or speaking position, plus one spare if the budget or equipment allows. Have spare batteries ready and test the microphones 30 to 60 minutes before doors open.
How many chairs do I need for a talent show audience?: Provide one chair per expected seated guest, then add about 10% for late registrations, judges, presenters and guests who arrive together. Keep additional chairs separate so you can expand a row without blocking the stage route.
When should I buy or borrow talent show equipment?: Arrange stage sections, speakers, microphones, lighting and a mixer at least 2 to 4 weeks before the event. Buy consumables and refreshments during the final week, and check batteries, cables and serving items again the day before.

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