Theater Equipment and Supplies Basics

Gather the basic theater gear needed to put on a show

By Nikki Wheeler

Theater equipment is used to create a visual world around a show. Depending on the style, size and budget of the show, a lot of theater equipment and supplies can be used to create realistic shows with special effects.

Theater supplies can be used to make a believable setting for the show to take place, make the characters look realistic and make the show more entertaining. When planning the production of a show, use these theater equipment and supplies basics:

1. Set a budget for theatrical supplies.

2. Prioritize which aspects of theater design are important to your show, and start with the theater supplies that are necessary to realize your vision.

3. Critically think about how theatrical equipment can be used to achieve similar effects in more cost-effective ways.

Build a set using the necessary theater equipment

A theatrical set is scenery used to create a performance space. It may be as simple as a curtain or a chair, or may be as complicated as a realistic interior of a building.
Try: Find theater supplies rental companies, like Tobins Lake Studios, to rent scenic elements like backdrops. Find companies, like FX Scenery and Display, to design sets for your production.

Include costumes in the supplies for theater

Costumes visually depict a character to the audience through the deliberate use of things like clothing, hats, shoes, masks, and wigs. Outfits can be as simple as a single colored t-shirt or be an authentic period costume.
Try: Find costume rental companies specializing in productions, like TheatricalCostumes.org, who rent nationally and are searchable by show name. Get costumes custom-made by Pierre's Costumes.

Check a theater supply store for props

Props are pieces of scenery that the actors or performers interact with, such as a book, a ball, a cane or a briefcase. Props are usually integral parts of a performance, and are sometimes used alone to emphasize a performance.
Try: Get special props custom-made by professional prop masters from Prop Warehouse, or rent props from theatrical rental companies like Past Present Future.

Theater stage supplies should include lighting

Lighting effects are used in theaters to add a feeling or atmosphere to the performance. A dark blue color may be used to depict night, a spotlight may be used for a singing solo or white overhead lights may be used simply to light an entire stage.
Try: Renting lighting equipment from a company like High Output is the best way to go, if the equipment will not be used over and over again. However, you can purchase lighting equipment from theatrical lighting stores like International Fun-Shop.

Get audio equipment for theater

Theater supplies usually includes audio equipment only if the theater is too large for voices to be heard in the back rows. Audio equipment might also be used in the form of speakers for sound effects or music during intermissions.
Try: Order high-end stage audio equipment from Production Advantage, or rent stage sound equipment from Stage Sound.

Many theater companies will offer a helping hand, lending out theatrical equipment free of charge, with the understanding that you will do the same in the future.