Every performer’s theatre bag looks a little different, but some supplies come in handy show after show. Here you’ll find our favorite products — useful picks for auditions, rehearsals, hair and makeup, and backstage, along with a few fun gifts for the theatre lovers in your life!
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Audition and Rehearsal Supplies
Keep these basics in your bag so you’re ready for auditions and rehearsals.
- Rehearsal bag — Carry your script, shoes, water, and a change of clothes.
- Black three-ring binder — Keep your audition music or rehearsal script organized.
- Non-glare sheet protectors — Protect audition music; leave rehearsal pages accessible for pencil notes.
- Mechanical pencils — Mark blocking, cuts, and music changes.
- Highlighters — Highlight your lines and cues in your script.
- Removable page tabs — Find songs, scenes, and audition cuts quickly.
- Reusable water bottle — Keep water handy throughout rehearsals and performances.
- Portable phone charger — Keep your phone charged during long rehearsal days.
Dancewear and Costume Foundations
Build your rehearsal and performance wardrobe with these dance shoe and undergarment staples.
- Jazz shoes — Commonly used for dance calls and musical theatre choreography.
- Character shoes — For auditions and productions that call for character heels.
- Dance tights — Match the production’s requested shade and keep a backup pair.
- Unitard/body tights — A one-piece option for costume layering.
- Black tank-style leotard — A simple base for dance calls, rehearsals, and costume layering.
- Unisex tap shoes — For tap auditions and choreography.
- Men’s white undershirts — White crewneck tees for rehearsals and layering under costumes.
- Men’s white tank undershirts — A sleeveless alternative for layering under costume shirts.
Hair and Makeup Essentials
Pack everything you need to do your hair and makeup before the show. Most performers these days use their regular makeup, but apply it more heavily for the stage. Below are some good options to build a starter kit.
- Tabletop makeup case with built-in lighted mirror — Keep your makeup organized and easily portable.
- Foundation (Revlon ColorStay Longwear Makeup) — Choose a shade that suits your skin and the show’s makeup plan.
- Blush (Milani Rose Powder Blush) — Buildable color with a natural matte finish.
- Eyeshadow palette (NYX Ultimate Shadow Palette – Warm Neutrals) — Variety of neutral options.
- Eyeliner (NYX Epic Ink Eyeliner) — Add some definition or a striking look to your eyes, depending on your show’s needs.
- Mascara (Maybelline Lash Sensational Waterproof – Very Black) — Elongate and darken your eyelashes.
- False eyelashes (Ardell Natural 105 False Eyelashes) — As an alternative to mascara, many performers choose to wear false eyelashes on stage, and they can look great!
- Eyebrow pencil (Benefit Goof Proof Brow Pencil) — This is my favorite brow pencil for filling in and darkening brows for the stage.
- Lipstick (Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick) — Keep a couple of color options on hand.
- Setting powder (Maybelline Fit Me Loose Setting Powder) — Finalize your look with some setting powder.
- Setting spray (NYX Matte Finish Setting Spray) — Help your makeup stay in place through the performance.
- Makeup sponges (Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge) — Apply and blend foundation evenly.
- Makeup brushes — Makeup brush set with a variety of sizes.
- Makeup brush cleaning kit — Keep your brushes clean!
- Bobby pins and hair ties — Keep hair out of your face and secure wigs or hairstyles.
- Mesh wig caps — Keep your hair contained beneath a wig.
- Hairspray — Finish and secure your performance hairstyle.
- Makeup remover — Take off your show makeup afterward. Pack cotton pads, too!
Vocal Care Needs
These are my favorite products for keeping my voice in top shape for performing.
- VocalZone Throat Pastilles — Great for singers! I usually pop one in about 10 minutes before show time.
- Throat-soothing drink — Combine these two in a cup of hot water for the ultimate throat coat! Great to have on show days.
- Prince of Peace Instant Ginger Honey Crystals — I use about half a packet in a regular-sized mug.
- IN JIOM PEI PA KOA (Herbal Formula) with Honey and Loquat — Add about a tablespoon to the drink, or even have a bit of this on its own.
- Handheld Rechargeable Mesh Nebulizer — Keep your throat hydrated with saline solution before performing.
- Entertainer’s Secret Throat Relief Spray — This is great to keep backstage for a quick spray in between scenes!
- MABIS Facial Steam Inhaler — Soothe your throat and get some relief after performing.
Dressing Room Must-Haves
A few small extras can make show nights more comfortable and help with last-minute fixes.
- Lightweight dressing robe — Cover your costume while eating or applying makeup, and between changes.
- Small sewing kit — Keep supplies handy for small repairs.
- Double-sided fashion tape — Secure costumes from any slipping or gaps.
- Lint roller — Remove lint and hair from audition clothes and costumes.
- Small rechargeable fan — Cool off in warm dressing rooms or between scenes.
Just for Fun
A few gift ideas for castmates, theatre fans, or your own wish list.
- Broadway street sign — A little Broadway for your theatre room or rehearsal space.
- Playbill binder — Preserve the programs from all your favorite shows.
- 50PCs Broadway stickers — Great for decorating water bottles or laptops.
- Playbill Broadway trivia game — Test your Broadway knowledge with a castmate or fellow musical fan.
- Standing ovation candle — A great post-show gift for castmates.
- 50 Must-See Musicals Bucket List 1000-Piece Puzzle — For puzzle-lovers!