What to Buy for a Theater Workshop

A theater workshop needs more than scripts and props. You also need practical supplies for registration, warm-up exercises, creative work, refreshments, and changing costumes. Plan one notepad and pen per participant, plus extra copies of scripts and scenes for late arrivals or damaged pages. For drinks, prepare roughly two cups per person for a short session and keep hot water in thermos flasks so service does not interrupt the workshop.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Chairsqty 30
Foldable tablesqty 6
Reception desk
Clothes racksqty 2

Equipment

Portable speaker
Microphone
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3

Creative materials

Flip chart
Flip chart paperqty 2
Whiteboard markersqty 8
Notepadsqty 30
Ballpoint pensqty 35
Tapeqty 4
Painter's tapeqty 4
Scissorsqty 12
Colored paperqty 3
Cardboard boxesqty 10
Copy textsqty 35

Decorations

Theater curtainsqty 2
Fabric clothsqty 6
Name badgesqty 35
Pen holdersqty 6
Clothes hangersqty 30

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 40
Platesqty 35
Cutlery setsqty 35
Coffee cupsqty 30

Kitchen

Kettleqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 2
Bread knivesqty 2
Serving spoonsqty 4
Coolersqty 2

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Bucketsqty 2
Broom and dustpanqty 2
Mopqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Still mineral water - 8 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 liter
- Orange juice - 4 liters
- Cola - 3 bottles
- Cola Zero - 3 bottles
- Lemonade - 3 bottles
- Sandwiches - 40 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 4 loaves
- Wraps - 30 pieces
- Hummus - 1.5 kilograms
- Young cheese - 1,5 kilogram
- Chicken breast slices - 1 kilogram
- Cream cheese - 750 grams
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Lettuce - 4 heads
- Bell peppers - 8 pieces
- Carrots - 2 kilogram
- Grapes - 2 kilogram
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Snacks - 3 bags
- Muesli bars - 40 pieces
- Cookies - 4 packs
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 can
- Napkins - 4 packs
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Cleaning wipes - 2 packs
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 3 bottles
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls

Tips

Prepare one notepad, one ballpoint pen, and one name badge for every participant, then add at least 10% extras for replacements and late registrations.
Print one copy of each script or scene per participant, plus two spare copies for the teacher and missing or damaged pages. Keep the texts together at the reception desk.
For a group of 20, provide at least 20 reusable cups and coffee cups, with 4 to 6 extra cups for staff and replacements. Two thermos flasks help keep drinks available during activities.
Bring at least two rolls of tape, including painter's tape, and check that scissors, colored paper, cardboard boxes, and markers are ready before participants arrive. These materials are often needed during the first activity.
Measure the room before buying or transporting furniture and equipment. Leave a clear play area, and bring extension cords and power strips only after checking how far the speaker, microphone, kettle, and workstations are from the sockets.

Frequently asked questions

How many pens and notepads do I need for a theater workshop?: Allow one notepad and one ballpoint pen per participant, plus 10% extra. For 20 participants, prepare 22 of each so late arrivals or lost supplies do not disrupt the session.
How many script copies should I print for a theater workshop?: Print one copy of every script or scene for each participant, then add two spare copies. For 20 participants, that means 22 copies per text, including copies for the teacher and replacements.
How many cups do I need for a theater workshop?: Prepare at least two cups per person for a short workshop, plus 4 to 6 extra cups for staff and replacements. For 20 participants, 44 to 46 reusable cups or coffee cups is a practical minimum.
When should I buy supplies for a theater workshop?: Buy standard stationery, tableware, and refreshments at least 3 to 5 days before the workshop. Check props, scripts, cables, and room equipment no later than the day before, so missing items can still be replaced.

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