The Ultimate Drama Teacher Amazon Shopping List: 50 Theatre Classroom Supplies
Discover the ultimate drama teacher Amazon shopping list with 50 theatre classroom supplies that make running rehearsals, lessons, and productions easier.
Katie Zakkak
7/1/20265 min read
Whether you're a new drama teacher or you've been teaching for a while, you know that drama classrooms require a unique set of supplies.
Unlike many subjects, theatre classes involve movement, performance, rehearsal, design work, and sometimes full productions. That means the supplies you need can range from simple office tools to backstage production equipment.
Over the years, I’ve built a list of reliable theatre classroom supplies and drama teacher supplies that I use regularly. Some are simple classroom essentials, while others make rehearsals and productions much easier to manage.
Below is my ultimate drama teacher shopping list, organized by category so you can easily find what you need.
Portable Classroom Essentials
Not every drama teacher has a dedicated theatre space. Many classes rotate between rooms, gyms, or multipurpose spaces.
No matter where you teach, having these portable items on hand will help you stay organized.
Rolling Cart
A rolling cart is one of the most helpful theatre classroom supplies when you teach in multiple locations. It allows you to carry scripts, props, tape, and classroom materials with you wherever you go.
I ended up getting a few for our program. Then, I had one for front of house concessions, backstage for props, and one for me and my class materials.
Clear Storage Bins
Clear storage bins are perfect for organizing props, costume pieces, and classroom materials. Clear is recommended so you can see what's in there. Don't forget to label too. 😊 Use a variety of sizes based on your needs for each main area you are organizing.
Portable File Box
Scripts, class handouts, rehearsal notes, and lesson materials can quickly pile up. A portable file box helps keep everything organized.
Clipboards
Clipboards are useful, especially if you're not in a traditional classroom with tables or desks.
Whiteboard and Markers
A portable whiteboard makes it easy to demonstrate blocking, write rehearsal schedules, or explain theatre concepts.
Having a mini whiteboard set for your class can also be a great way to have students respond to questions without using an endless amount of paper.
Drama Classroom Basics
These simple supplies are used constantly in theatre classrooms. I have found these helpful for rehearsals too.
Highlighters
Students often highlight scripts to mark lines, cues, or emotional beats.
Pencils
Keeping a large container of pencils in your classroom saves a lot of rehearsal time.
Some drama teachers even give each student a “drama pencil” at the beginning of the semester to encourage responsibility.
Personally, I'm a fan of mechanical pencils, but I know some teachers hate them. Think about what works best for you and your style.
Notebooks
Students can use notebooks for rehearsal notes, character analysis, and reflection.
Index Cards
Index cards are great for improv prompts, acting exercises, or rehearsal reminders.
Sticky Notes
Sticky notes help students mark script pages or leave notes during rehearsal feedback.
If your students are using a rented script and not allowed to make permanent marks, clear sticky notes can be a great alternative to using highlighters.
Acting and Improv Tools
These supplies help make acting exercises more engaging.
Costume Pieces
A small collection of hats, scarves, and jackets can instantly transform scene work.
Prop Basket
Keeping a basket of random props available encourages creativity during improvisation.
Prompt Cards
Improv suggestion cards make it easy to generate ideas for scenes.
You can also use my Improv Idea Generator or check out my Improv Cards on TPT.
Timer for Activities
Drama exercises often work best with time limits, so a timer helps keep activities structured. If you use a magnetic timer, you can put it right on your whiteboard where the class can easily see.
Portable Speaker
Music is helpful for movement exercises, warm-ups, and ensemble activities. Having a portable speaker makes it to much easier to start the music from anywhere.
Theatre Production Tools
If your drama class includes productions or scene showcases, these supplies become extremely useful.
Spike Tape
Spike tape is used to mark positions on the stage floor for actors and set pieces.
Gaffer’s Tape
Gaffer’s tape is stronger and great for securing cables or temporarily fixing small stage issues. It is meant to work on any kind of flooring without causing damage, so it can be great for use in borrowed spaces too.
Glow Tape
Glow tape helps actors and crew navigate safely backstage during performances.
Flashlights
Backstage crew often need flashlights during tech rehearsals and performances.
Headlamps
Headlamps are especially helpful for stage crew because they provide hands-free lighting.
Costume and Prop Organization
These supplies make costume and prop management much easier.
Costume Rack
Costume racks help keep costumes organized backstage.
Garment Bags
Garment bags protect costumes between rehearsals and performances.
Safety Pins
Safety pins are a backstage essential for quick costume adjustments. Getting a pack with a variety of sizes can help for any need that arises.
Sewing Kit
A small sewing kit can save a production when costumes need quick repairs.
Stage Management Supplies
These tools are extremely helpful for student stage managers.
Rehearsal Binder
Stage managers often keep a binder with scripts, blocking notes, and cue lists.
Label Maker
Labeling props, costumes, and equipment can make tech week much more organized. There are so many options nowadays that can even connect directly to your phone.
Dry Erase Board
Dry erase boards help display rehearsal schedules and announcements.
Stopwatch
Stage managers can track timing during rehearsals and scene transitions.
Safety and Practical Supplies
Safety supplies are often overlooked but extremely important in theatre spaces.
First Aid Kit
A basic first aid kit is essential when working with sets, props, and active movement. It can even be helpful to get a pack of them, so you can have them ready throughout your backstage (stage managers' podiums, each dressing room, etc.).
Tool Kit
A small tool kit with screwdrivers, pliers, and wrenches can help with quick set fixes.
Extension Cords
Lighting, speakers, and rehearsal equipment often require extra power sources.
Power Strips
Power strips are useful when multiple devices need to be plugged in backstage.
Classroom Decor and Inspiration
Theatre classrooms benefit from creative and inspiring environments.
Theatre Posters
Posters featuring famous plays, theatre terminology, or inspirational quotes can bring personality to your classroom.
I also have a set of drama classroom posters available in my Teachers Pay Teachers store that many theatre teachers use to decorate their classrooms.
Bulletin Board Supplies
Bulletin boards can display rehearsal schedules, theatre vocabulary, and student work. I particularly love the Better Than Paper brand for bulletin boards and even set design!
The Most Helpful Free Resource for Drama Teachers
Supplies are helpful, but having strong systems for running your drama classroom is even more important.
If you want a simple starting point, download my Drama Classroom Toolkit.
This free resource includes:
• Drama warm-up games
• Classroom organization ideas
• Planning tools for theatre teachers
• Bonus resources to help structure your drama class
These tools can make a huge difference in how smoothly your theatre class runs throughout the year.