Low cost theatrical supplies are available from many sources, both online and off. Some of the most popular and economical theatrical supplies are cotton muslin and gaffer's tape.

Cotton muslin has been around for centuries, and it has been gracing stages for nearly as long. This tightly woven, plain cotton cloth can be purchased natural or in one of the many ready dyed colors on the market today. It also comes in several thicknesses, making it appropriate for different uses. Cotton muslin is inexpensive, but can be used for many purposes on the stage. Curtains have been constructed from this durable fabric, as well as costumes and set decorations. Painted, the fabric makes easy to construct and manipulate backdrops, and it can even be treated to be translucent, allowing for even faster scenery changes. Muslin has been used on the stage for everything from bed linens to costumes to shrubbery.

Gaffer's tape, aptly named for the stage's lighting coordinator, is another inexpensive, but hardworking theatrical supply. Gaffer's tape is a relative of the immensely popular duct tape, a cloth backed tape that has a light adhesive and leaves no residue. Gaffer's tape is typically black for securing cables and lighting cords, so that it blends into the background on the stage. Its strength makes it ideal for taping up lighting fixtures and set decorations. Other colors of gaffer's tape are commonly used to designate the actor's marks on the stage, secure scenery and backgrounds, and highlight decorations. Gaffers typically pack several rolls of tape in various colors in their kits.

Inexpensive and efficient theatrical supplies are easy to find and even easier to work with. Cotton muslin and gaffer's tape are some of the many low cost supplies that have become part of the stage's tradition.