How to Rent Rehearsal Space in New York City

Putting up a show in New York City is incredibly challenging. From production costs to getting an audience, everything can be a fiasco. However, finding space for rehearsals can be relatively easy if you go about it in the right way.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Look in the local trade publications. In the back of New York's stage trade publications, there is almost always an area that lists rehearsal spaces in many of the five boroughs.

2. Search the web. Many web directories abound in cyberspace that offer lists of the theaters available in all major cities.

3. Know what kind of space you're getting before you pay any money. Be sure you speak to a representative from the space rental organization before you give them any credit card information. Let them talk to you about the space. Listen to what they are saying. The less they tell you about the room up front, the more questions you should ask.

4. Above all else, trust your friend's recommendations. Nothing is more reliable in space rental than word of mouth. Ask your friends who have rented studios for rehearsals which places are accommodating and which aren't. Which are too noisy and which are too expensive. There are a handful of tried and true rehearsal spaces in New York that are average in price, always clean and very professional: Ripley-Grier Studios, Chelsea Studios and Shetler Studios are all very reliable places to start looking.

5. Book as soon as you know you need the rehearsal space. Reserve your space as far ahead of time as you can. Space is usually limited, so this will help both you and the people running the rehearsal spaces.

6. Be respectful of the space's rules and regulations. Show up early, and leave on time. There is most likely someone that is booked in the space after you, so be respectful. Put away any tables and chairs you've used and DO NOT eat or drink in the space. Even if there isn't a sign posted about it, it's just an unwritten rule.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are organizing a block of rehearsals for an extended period of time, a lot of rehearsal studios will cut you a break if you book them all at once. Mention this to the places you call, and you might get a discount!
• There are oftentimes cork boards with ads advertising everything from head shots to acting classes at most rehearsal studios. Don't assume that just because they're there these vendors are endorsed by the space or the people who run it. Do research before you use any of these services.

[emilybnyc]

on 8/25/2009 NYC Performing Arts Spaces has FREE (they are non-profit) easy-to-use databases of rehearsal and performance spaces in New York City. Search for spaces for music, theatre, dance or a combination, by rental rate, size, location, etc. http://www.nycPASpaces.org