What to buy for a theater camp

A theater camp needs more than scripts and costumes. You will also need supplies for sleeping, shared meals, workshops, rehearsals, performances, and keeping personal items organized. This shopping list covers practical equipment such as reusable tableware, coolers, storage bins, microphones, extension cords, LED lights, backdrop cloths, and decorative panels. Check quantities against your registration list, camp duration, room setup, dietary requirements, and the number of workshop groups before you shop.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 40
Clothes racksqty 4
Storage binsqty 12
Sleeping matsqty 36
Cushionsqty 36
Blanketsqty 36

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 40
Reusable bowlsqty 40
Reusable cupsqty 50
Cutlery setsqty 40
Serving plattersqty 8
Pouring jugsqty 6

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knivesqty 4
Measuring cupsqty 3
Mixing bowlsqty 6
Serving spoonsqty 8
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coolersqty 4

Equipment

Bluetooth speakersqty 2
Microphonesqty 2
Microphone standsqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Mobile chargersqty 4

Lighting

LED lightsqty 6
String lightsqty 4

Decorations

Backdrop clothsqty 4
Decorative panelsqty 8
Colored paperqty 10
Craft cardboardqty 10
Fabric piecesqty 12
Buntingqty 6
Clothespinsqty 100
Tapeqty 12
Double-sided tapeqty 6
Ropeqty 4

Theater supplies

Theater textsqty 40
Notebooksqty 40
Pencilsqty 50
Markersqty 24
Whiteboard
Whiteboard markersqty 12
Costume binsqty 8
Clothing accessoriesqty 40
Makeup brushesqty 12
Mirrorsqty 4
Hand puppetsqty 6
Propsqty 20

Sports equipment

Conesqty 20
Soft ballsqty 8
Hoopsqty 8
Skipping ropesqty 10

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Broom setsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 4
Microfiber clothsqty 12

Safety

Flashlightsqty 6
Safety vestsqty 8
First aid kitsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Whole wheat bread - 12 loaves
- White rolls - 80 pieces
- Currant buns - 40 pieces
- Croissants - 40 pieces
- Butter - 2 tubs
- Margarine - 2 tubs
- Mild cheese - 3 kilograms
- Chicken breast sandwiches - 2 kilograms
- Ham - 2 kilograms
- Vegetarian spreads - 12 tubs
- Peanut butter - 3 jars
- Jam - 3 jars
- Eggs - 60 pieces
- Yogurt - 8 liter
- Muesli - 4 kilograms
- Oatmeal - 3 kilograms
- Milk - 20 liters
- Plant-based milk - 6 liters
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilograms
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Bananas - 40 pieces
- Grapes - 5 kilograms
- Cucumbers - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 4 kilogram
- Bell peppers - 20 pieces
- Carrots - 4 kilograms
- Lettuce - 8 heads
- Potatoes - 12 kilogram
- Rice - 6 kilogram
- Pasta - 8 kilograms
- Tomato sauce - 12 jars
- Pasta sauce - 8 jars
- Chickpeas - 12 cans
- Kidney beans - 12 cans
- Corn - 10 cans
- Vegetarian meatballs - 5 kilogram
- Chicken breast - 5 kilograms
- Soup - 12 liters
- Vegetable stock - 2 boxes
- Grated cheese - 2 kilogram
- Olive oil - 2 liters
- Salt - 1 pack
- Black pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Italian herbs - 2 jars
- Garlic - 6 bulbs
- Mayonnaise - 3 jars
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Chili sauce - 2 bottles
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Popcorn - 3 kilograms
- Cookies - 10 packs
- Muesli bars - 60 pieces
- Chocolate bars - 40 pieces
- Ice lollies - 60 pieces
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 8 cartons
- Orange juice - 8 packs
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Sparkling water - 6 bottles
- Lemonade syrup - 4 bottles
- Lemons - 20 pieces
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Cleaning spray - 4 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 1 box
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Hand soap - 6 dispensers
- Paper towels - 6 packs

Tips

Count reusable plates, bowls, cups, and cutlery against the final registration list, then add a small washing and breakage buffer. Serving platters, pouring jugs, and serving spoons are easy to overlook when meals arrive in bulk.
Plan cold-food storage before shopping for meals. Match the number of coolers and thermos flasks to the menu, transport time, and the hours between delivery, preparation, and serving.
Prepare sleeping supplies for every participant and supervisor before arrival. Sleeping mats, cushions, and blankets should be assigned by sleeping place, not estimated from the number of rooms.
Test the sound and power setup during a rehearsal, not on performance day. Check microphones, microphone stands, Bluetooth speakers, extension cords, power strips, and mobile chargers together so you know where cables can safely run.
Keep props, costumes, worksheets, and workshop materials in separate storage bins or camp folders. Label them before packing; this prevents the first rehearsal from turning into a search for one missing prop or costume item.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to buy for a theater camp?: Plan for sleeping supplies, reusable tableware, kitchen equipment, coolers, workshop and rehearsal materials, props, costumes, storage, sound equipment, power accessories, and lighting. Match quantities to the number of participants, supervisors, meals, and performance groups.
How many cups and plates do I need for a theater camp?: Start with one reusable plate, bowl, cup, and cutlery set per registered participant and supervisor. Add extra pieces for meal changes, washing time, and breakage, especially if you cannot wash dishes between sittings.
What sound equipment is needed for a theater camp performance?: The plan includes microphones, microphone stands, a Bluetooth speaker, extension cords, power strips, and mobile chargers. Test the complete setup during rehearsal at least one day before the performance and bring chargers for every powered device.
When should I buy supplies for a theater camp?: Confirm registrations, dietary requirements, sleeping places, workshop groups, props, costumes, and the performance setup before doing the main shop. Buy non-perishable supplies at least one week ahead; arrange meals and fresh items after the final headcount.

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