Tech week is one of the most exciting parts of a theatre production.

It is also one of the most chaotic.

Lighting cues, sound effects, costume changes, scene transitions, props, and set pieces all come together at once. If your production team does not have the right tools ready, tech rehearsals can quickly become stressful.

Over the years, I have learned that having a reliable set of tech week supplies makes an enormous difference in how smoothly rehearsals run.

Below are some of the most useful theatre production supplies I rely on during tech week, especially in school theatre programs where students are learning the process for the first time.\

This post covers 8 main categories for tech week needs:

• Communication and organization

• Tape (yes, that's a whole category 😊)

• Backstage Lighting

• Props/Sets Management

• Costumes Management

• Stage Management Supplies

• Cast/Crew Comfort

• Emergency Equipment

Communication and Organization Supplies

1. Wireless Theatre Headsets

Clear communication between the stage manager, lighting operator, sound operator, and backstage crew is essential during tech week.

A good wireless theatre headset system is definitely an investment. However, it allows your production team to communicate instantly across the theatre without running around backstage.

These systems are especially helpful when the stage manager is calling cues from the booth or catwalk.

When my theatre program switched from only 3 wired headsets, to a full set of 8 wireless headsets, our entire process got so much more efficient!

They are not the cheapest investment, but, in my experience, they are so worth it! The Eartec system worked amazingly well for our program!

2. Clipboards for Crew Members

Backstage crew members often need to hold:

• Cue sheets
• Blocking notes
• Scene transition lists

Clipboards make it easy for students to keep their paperwork organized while moving around backstage.

3. Rehearsal Notebooks and Binders

Stage managers and crew members should always have a place to write notes.

A dedicated rehearsal notebook is helpful for tracking:

• Cue updates
• Prop changes
• Costume notes
• Director feedback

This dual binder/notepad organizer is my favorite!

4. Label Maker

During tech week, labeling everything saves time.

A label maker can be used to mark:

• Prop bins
• Costume racks
• Lighting equipment
• Script folders

This prevents confusion backstage and keeps supplies organized.

With this label maker, you simply design the labels on your phone and connect the app.

Tape: The Most Important Backstage Tool

Ask almost any theatre technician what the most important supply is during tech week and you will probably hear the same answer.

Tape.

5. Spike Tape

Spike tape is used to mark actor positions and set piece placement on the stage floor, and it is a director's best friend!

Using different colors helps distinguish between:

• Actor marks
• Set locations
• Lighting marks

Students should also learn proper spiking techniques so that marks are clear but not distracting to the audience.

6. Gaffer’s Tape

Gaffer’s tape is stronger than spike tape and can be used to secure cables, hold props in place, or temporarily fix small set issues.

It removes cleanly from most surfaces, making it ideal for theatre use.

7. Glow Tape

Glow tape is extremely helpful backstage during performances.

Because it glows in the dark, it can mark:

• Stair edges
• Stage entrances
• Prop tables
• Set corners

This helps actors and crew navigate safely during blackouts.

Lighting and Visibility Supplies

8. Flashlights for Backstage Crew

Backstage crew often need small flashlights to safely move around in dark areas.

Compact flashlights or headlamps are especially useful during scene transitions.

9. Headlamps

Headlamps are great for crew members because they allow hands-free lighting while moving set pieces or checking props.

They are especially helpful in backstage areas with limited lighting.

You can also use ring flashlights if you want to use something more subtle.

Props and Set Management

10. Prop Tables

Designating prop tables backstage helps keep props organized during performances.

Each prop should have a clearly labeled spot so actors can quickly find what they need.

11. Prop Table Tape Layout

Many stage managers tape outlines of props directly onto the prop table.

This creates a visual guide so actors can easily see where items belong after each scene.

I recommend using masking tape to organize the table and create little boxes for each prop. Be sure to label the boxes so the props end up back in their proper place.

12. Storage Bins for Props

Plastic storage bins make it easier to transport and organize props between rehearsals and performances.

Clear storage bins are recommended so it's easy to see what you have. Consider a variety of sizes to fit the needs of storing various types of props. Storage bins are also great for costumes that don't need to be bung and costume accessories.

Costume and Wardrobe Supplies

13. Costume Racks

Costume racks are essential during tech week when multiple costumes are being used backstage.

Actors can quickly access their costumes without digging through bags.

14. Garment Bags

Garment bags protect costumes and help keep them organized between rehearsals and performances.

15. Safety Pins

Safety pins are a backstage essential.

They are often used for quick costume adjustments and emergency repairs.

16. Sewing Kit

A basic sewing kit can save a lot of stress during tech week.

Buttons fall off. Seams split. Quick repairs are sometimes necessary minutes before a performance.

Stage Management Tools

17. Stopwatches or Timers

Stage managers often track timing during rehearsals to ensure scene transitions are running smoothly.

18. Cue Light Systems

Cue lights can be used backstage to signal when actors or crew should prepare for entrances or transitions.

19. Dry Erase Boards

Dry erase boards are great for posting:

• Rehearsal schedules
• Crew assignments
• Scene change notes

Actor and Crew Comfort Supplies

Tech week rehearsals can be long.

Having a few comfort supplies on hand helps keep everyone focused and energized

20. Water Bottles

Encourage students to stay hydrated during long rehearsals. Ideally, they should bring their own, but it's helpful to have some on hand for anyone who forgets.

21. Snacks for Long Tech Days

Many theatre programs keep simple snacks backstage during long rehearsal days.Of course, you can ask your students to bring their own, but it can be nice to have some on hand in case students forget or for special celebrations after a successful rehearsal.

22. Folding Chairs for Backstage Waiting

Actors often spend time waiting backstage between scenes. Having a few folding chairs can make this much more comfortable.

Safety and Emergency Supplies

23. First Aid Kit

A basic first aid kit should always be available backstage for minor injuries. Honestly, it's helpful to get several small ones so you can keep them throughout the theatre on both stage right and stage left and in the dressing rooms.

24. Fire Extinguisher

Your theatre space should already have at least one. Double-check that it does and that you know exactly where they are and have brushed up on how to use them.

25. Emergency Tool Kit

A small toolkit with items like screwdrivers, pliers, and adjustable wrenches can be extremely helpful for last-minute set fixes.

The Most Important Tech Week Supply: Preparation

While having the right tools helps, the most important part of tech week is preparation.

Clear systems for:

• Cue calling
• Scene transitions
• Prop tracking
• Communication

can make tech rehearsals far more efficient.

If you are working on building systems in your theatre classroom, my Drama Classroom Toolkit includes planning tools, warm-up activities, and resources that help theatre teachers organize their classes and productions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tech Week Supplies

What supplies are needed for theatre tech week?

Common tech week supplies include spike tape, headsets, flashlights, prop tables, costume racks, and communication tools for stage management teams.

What does a stage manager need during tech week?

Stage managers typically need a prompt book, headset communication system, cue sheets, stopwatches, and rehearsal notes to coordinate the production.

Why is spike tape used in theatre?

Spike tape is used to mark positions on the stage floor for actors and set pieces so that blocking and lighting remain consistent.

What is glow tape used for in theatre?

Glow tape helps actors and crew navigate backstage areas in low light by marking steps, edges, and entrances.

As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.