What to Buy for a Theater Workshop

A theater workshop needs more than props. You also need practical supplies for registration, notes, room setup, sound, and quick changes between activities. This shopping list covers the core items for a session with a play area, worktables, a reception desk, and group exercises. Check what your venue already provides before buying furniture or audiovisual equipment, then test everything and pack it at least one day before the workshop.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Chairsqty 36
Tablesqty 6
Coat racksqty 2
Stoolsqty 6

Equipment

Portable speaker
Microphone
Laptop
Projector
Projector screen
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 3
Rechargeable batteriesqty 8

Decorations

Theater curtainsqty 2
Name badgesqty 36
Colorful clothsqty 12
Paper garlandsqty 4

Theater supplies

Hand mirrorsqty 6
Hand puppetsqty 12
Masksqty 20
Hatsqty 12
Scarvesqty 20
Toy microphonesqty 6
Prop boxesqty 4
Costume racksqty 2

Office

Flip chart
Flip chart sheetsqty 40
Markersqty 24
Notepadsqty 36
Ballpoint pensqty 36
Sticky notesqty 12
Paper tapeqty 6

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 40
Platesqty 40
Cutlery setsqty 40
Water jugsqty 4

Kitchen

Coffee maker
Kettleqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 3
Serving traysqty 4
Serving spoonsqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 2
Knivesqty 4
Coolersqty 2

Lighting

LED lightsqty 4

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 2
Spongesqty 6
Dish brushesqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Spa Blauw - 6 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 liter
- Orange juice - 4 liters
- Cola - 3 bottles
- Cola Zero - 2 bottles
- Paprika chips - 3 bags
- Plain chips - 3 bags
- Snacks - 2 bags
- Popcorn - 2 bags
- Rice cakes - 3 packs
- Whole grain crackers - 3 packs
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Cream cheese - 3 tubs
- Young cheese - 1,5 kilogram
- Chicken breast slices - 1 kilogram
- Vegetarian spread - 4 tubs
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- Mini wraps - 5 packs
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 1,5 kilograms
- Carrots - 1,5 kilogram
- Bell peppers - 8 pieces
- Lettuce - 4 heads
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Mandarins - 30 pieces
- Yogurt - 4 liters
- Muesli - 2 packs
- Pasta - 3 kilograms
- Pasta sauce - 6 jars
- Vegetarian meatballs - 3 kilograms
- Shredded cheese - 1 kilogram
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Italian herbs - 1 jar
- Garlic - 3 bulbs
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Cookies - 4 packs
- Chocolate bars - 36 pieces
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Napkins - 4 packs
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Toilet paper - 2 packs
- Hand soap - 2 bottles

Tips

Plan at least one hand mirror, puppet, mask, hat, scarf, and toy microphone for every small group using them at the same time. Add extra pieces only if activities involve swapping or sharing.
Prepare one name badge, notepad, and pen per participant, plus at least 10% extra. For 20 participants, that means 22 of each to cover late registrations and damaged supplies.
Check the room layout before buying or transporting furniture: chairs are needed in a circle, while tables must leave a clear play area. Allow roughly 1.5 metres of open floor around active exercises.
Test the speaker, microphone, laptop, projector, and screen at least 24 hours beforehand. Pack extension cords, power strips, and charged rechargeable batteries together so missing connections are found before arrival.
Bring flip chart sheets, markers, and sticky notes in quantities matched to the program. For a half-day workshop, prepare at least one flip-chart sheet per main activity and two marker sets so the session can continue if one runs dry.

Frequently asked questions

What supplies do I need for a theater workshop?: Bring theater materials such as hand mirrors, hand puppets, masks, hats, scarves, toy microphones, and prop boxes. You will also need name badges, notepads, pens, sticky notes, flip chart sheets, markers, and any equipment required for sound or projection.
How many theater props do I need per participant?: You do not need one of every prop per person. Aim for one usable prop per small group, with at least 10% extra for a workshop where items may be shared or damaged.
How early should I prepare the theater workshop materials?: Check the shopping list and test all equipment at least 24 hours before the workshop. Pack and label the materials on the same day, so setup at the venue takes no more than 60 to 90 minutes.
What should I bring for theater workshop registration?: Prepare one name badge per registered participant plus 10% extra, along with a reception desk, pens, and the attendance list. Keep dietary requirements and registration details available before participants arrive.

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