Stage rigging equipment is absolutely necessary for any school theater program. This equipment is used to move curtains, set up and transition backdrops and scenes and add to the overall flow of the production. Stage rigging equipment includes canopies, set piece moving equipment, assorted curtain and drapes and mechanical and automated winches and pulleys.
Every good theater production requires good lighting. Schools must invest in lighting equipment such as spotlights, overhead stage lights, on-stage lights, backlighting, assorted colored bulbs and electronic lighting control systems. Lighting systems are often the most expensive pieces of equipment for theater programs.
In order for a theater production to be successful, the actors must be heard. This is where sound equipment comes in handy. This equipment includes speaker systems, microphones, acoustical reflector panels and music or soundboard system. This equipment can also be very expensive. The cost and size of the sound system that would be needed depends largely on the size and scope of the school's theater program.
Lastly, theater programs need the supplies that actors actually use to bring the production to life. Assorted costumes, set pieces, backdrops, props (such as park benches, furniture and handheld items), stage music CDs (such as dramatic music, sound effects and laugh tracks), makeup and a variety of other items for different productions.