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Step 1
Rent the right space for the right show. Is your show going to be small and intimate, or a large production with lots of technical needs. You can find both, but it will make your job much easier if you sort out what you're looking for before you make your first phone call. Also consider the size of the house (the audience). Are you doing a lot of advertising and expecting huge crowds, or is it a workshop for a limited number of invited guests? There are "performance spaces" in, literally, every neighborhood of New York City. Many are theatres that were built just for that purpose, but some are converted from other structures. Decide which would work for the piece you're doing.
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Step 2
Shop around. Even if the first space you walk into is seemingly perfect, visit as many other spaces as you can, especially if this is the first time you are renting a performance space. The more spaces you see, the better an idea you'll have about what's out there and available. There are a myriad of listings for spaces both online and in local theatre business publications.
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Step 3
Sign a contract. Always make sure that any deal you make with a venue is in writing. Take the time to read the agreement all the way through and have the venue change anything in the contract you don't agree with. Remember, they need your business as much as you need their space.
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Step 4
Be a respectful renter. If you have a set, make sure that it is struck at the time that it is supposed to be struck by. If you have used lighting instruments provided by the venue, make sure they are back in their "default" positions. Clean up after yourself. You may want to rent from them again.
