What you need for a talent show

A talent show needs more than a stage and a microphone. You will need reliable sound equipment, safe stage access, seating for the audience and a practical backstage setup for performers and clothing. This shopping list also covers lighting, decorations, tableware, power supplies and small items that are easy to overlook. Check quantities against your venue, number of acts and expected audience before buying or collecting anything.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Furniture

Stage sectionsqty 6
Stage steps
Chairsqty 120
Tablesqty 12
Judges' table
Clothes racksqty 2
Folding chairs backstageqty 20

Equipment

Speakersqty 2
Subwoofersqty 2
Mixer
Microphonesqty 4
Microphone standsqty 4
DI boxesqty 3
Laptop
Music remote control
Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 8
Gaffer tapeqty 4
Spare batteriesqty 16
Notice boardsqty 2
Directional signsqty 8
Clipboardsqty 8
Pen setsqty 4
Calculatorsqty 2
USB sticksqty 3

Lighting

LED spotlightsqty 6
Light standsqty 2
Mood lightingqty 4

Decorations

Backdrop cloth
Balloon archesqty 2
Balloonsqty 150
Buntingqty 6
Star decorationsqty 12
Tableclothsqty 12
Stage sign

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 150
Coffee cupsqty 80
Platesqty 120
Cutlery setsqty 120
Serving spoonsqty 6
Small bowlsqty 12

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Serving tongsqty 6
Bottle openersqty 3
Water jugsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Broom setsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 3
Toilet brushesqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Tea assortment - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Sweetener - 1 box
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- 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
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Ice cubes - 10 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salted sticks - 6 bags
- Popcorn - 6 bags
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Brownies - 6 boxes
- Mini muffins - 6 boxes
- Mini croissants - 5 boxes
- Wraps - 40 pieces
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Herb cream cheese - 3 tubs
- Chicken breast topping - 1.5 kilograms
- Young cheese - 1,5 kilogram
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Grapes - 4 kilograms
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Bananas - 40 pieces
- Baby carrots - 3 kilogram
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Paper straws - 150 pieces
- Stirrers - 150 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Parchment paper - 1 roll
- Trash bags - 4 rolls
- Large trash bags - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Hand gel - 4 bottles
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Toilet cleaner - 3 bottles
- Sponges - 2 packs
- Microfiber cloths - 2 packs
- Disposable gloves - 2 boxes
- Bandages - 2 boxes
- AA batteries - 16 pieces
- AAA batteries - 16 pieces
- Pens - 30 pieces
- Printer paper - 2 packs
- Name stickers - 150 pieces
- Wristbands - 150 pieces

Tips

Plan at least one microphone for the host and performers, plus a spare if several acts change quickly. Test every microphone, DI box, cable and music file before the show starts.
Allow enough chairs for the full audience and keep folding chairs backstage for performers or volunteers. Set aside a separate judges’ table so evaluation forms and certificates do not get mixed with audience materials.
Buy or collect extension cords, power strips, gaffer tape and spare batteries before event day. Label cables and tape them down after the sound and lighting test, not during the first performance.
Use stage steps and stable stage sections rather than improvising access. Check the stage height, lighting stands and speaker positions at least one day before the show, especially if the venue has limited floor space.
Prepare refreshments and reusable cups for the expected audience, then keep a small reserve for volunteers, jury members and performers. Collect prizes, certificates and the stage sign before doors open so the closing ceremony does not depend on a last-minute purchase.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a talent show?: At minimum, plan for speakers, a mixer, microphones, microphone stands, a laptop or music playback device, DI boxes, extension cords and power strips. For a small show, allow at least one working microphone and one spare, then add equipment based on the number of performers and music tracks.
How many chairs do I need for a talent show?: Provide one chair for every expected audience member, plus separate seating for the jury and volunteers. Add 5 to 10 extra chairs if space allows, and keep several folding chairs backstage for performers waiting to go on.
When should I test the sound and music for a talent show?: Complete a full sound and lighting test at least one day before the event when possible. On the day itself, repeat the check 60 to 90 minutes before doors open and test every performance file in the running order.
What should I buy for talent show refreshments?: Plan refreshments for the expected audience and include performers, jury members and volunteers in the count. Have reusable cups ready before doors open, and keep a small reserve rather than waiting until the programme is underway to restock.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.