BOOKING FAQs

What are your booking rates for shows and public events?

We have two types of bookings at the RAT

• A flat rate hourly rental ($95 per hour + tax) 

• A bar minimum option ($125 per hour to be spent at the bar by your attendees, difference + tax and gratuity due if not met)

 

What do you get when you book with us?

All bookings include:

• A house manager/bartender for your performance

• Event listing on our website with direct links to ticketing options

• Creative assistance from our RAT team

• Inclusion on our SM pages and in bi-weekly eblasts

• Your show poster in our beautiful, ground level, picture window

 

What is a flat rate booking?

It’s simple! You pay us a standard fixed rate, and book as many hours as you’d like. If you are hosting ticketing through our platform you are welcome to either pay your booking fee out of your ticket sales, or pay via cc in advance through our portal (or a combination of the two). We also accept payments via cash or zelle.

 

What is a bar minimum booking?

For readings/fundraisers/workshops etc. we offer a bar minimum option for producers, this is our best effort to get you into space to work on your show in a no/low cost option. Our bar minimum, to be met by your attendees, is $125 per hour and you can book in 2 hour ($250 min per event) or 3 hour ($375) slots depending on the length of your event - fundraisers can book a full evening of 6-8 hours.

 

What does BAR MINIMUM mean?

Essentially we require no upfront payment for your event. Your guests come to see your show and buy things at the bar. If we make the bar minimum for the evening your booking is free, if we don’t you would just pay us the difference plus tax and gratuity. We’ve found that if you have 15-20 people attend and you require a 1 or 2 item purchase minimum you should have no issue meeting this minimum. (we have lots of non alcoholic drinks and snacks available as well).

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Is there a minimum/maximum amount of time I can book?

We have a 2 hour booking minimum but you can book as many hours as you’d like. All booking times include your access time (what time you can get in the space), load in/break down/exit time so keep that in mind as you select the amount of time you need in the venue. 

 

How much time should I book for my event?

You should book enough time to cover the running time of your show, plus at least 30 minutes to arrive and set up, and 15-30 minutes to break down and exit the space when your show is finished. For example, if your show runs 60-75 minutes, you should book a 2 hour block, if you run 80-120 minutes you should book a 3 hour block.

 

How does ticketing work?

• You can list ticketing on the site of your choice and run it yourself (we just need the link for your calendar listing on our site)

• We can host ticketing for you on our wix platform (10% service/cc charge applies)

• For bar minimum shows we recommend tickets being free/pay-what-you-can/suggested donation. All tickets prices must be under $10, except for fundraisers.

• Flat rate bookings can charge any price for tickets, although we recommend keeping prices between $15-$25 at the high end

 

How do I know if I should choose a bar minimum or flat rate package?

We can discuss with you the best fit for your show but these are the guidelines that we feel sets everyone up for success:

 

You can book a bar min show if:

• You only need a 2 or 3 hour block including your load in/load out time

• You are hosting a one off/stand alone (or monthly) show

• Your show is under 75 minutes for a 2 hour slot, or 120 minutes for a 3 hour slot.

• Your ticket price is free, pay what you can or under $10 (unless you’re hosting a fundraiser)

• Your show start time is 7pm (please book the 6:30-8:30pm slot) or 9pm (please book the 8:30-10:30pm slot)

• Your show allows drinks to be served for the duration of the event (and going to the bar is actively encouraged)

• You understand that you are responsible for any remaining balance (+tax and 20% gratuity)

• If you are hosting a fundraiser and need a longer time slot please contact us directly at: info@theratnyc.com

 

You should book a flat fee show if:

• You are booking a theatrical performance with required stage set up and technical requirements

• You are booking a run of a show with multiple dates

• You plan on selling tickets for more than $10 dollars

• You need additional time to load in/setup/load out your show

• You need additional time to access the dressing room

• You would like an 8pm show start time

• Your show is more than 75 minutes

• You would like to have time for a reception/to mingle after the performance

• These slots can be booked in slots of 2 hours or longer (3 hours if you’d like and 8pm show time)

 

How do I know what booking times are available?

You’re able to view available times on our web portal but, you are also welcome to shoot us over some ideal date and time requests via email to info@theratnyc.com and we can let you know what options are available. 

 

Who runs tech at the RAT?

Great question, that depends on your show needs!

Got simple lights up and down at the top/end of your show and a playlist on Spotify? Our house manager can do that for you!

 

Are you performing with live music or internal lighting and sound cues? You’ll need a TD/Board Operator/Booth Tech 

    You can either: 

•     Bring your own 

•     Or hire us for $75 for bookings of up to 3 hours

 

Running a show with multiple dates and times?

We recommend having your own SM and booth tech as we cannot guarantee you will have the same team member with you every night.

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What equipment do you have in your space? 

You can find all of our venue specs, equipment lists and layouts here.

All of our equipment is available for your use during your show, we do not charge any additional fees.

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What if I need to book rehearsal time?

•     You can book a standard rehearsal for $35 per hour

  • (no theatrical lights/sound/tech)

•     You can book a technical rehearsal for $75 per hour

  • (full tech, plus we will have staff on site to get you familiar with our space and equipment)

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Is there storage available?

For shows with multiple dates or longer runs we have extremely limited storage space available. All items stored at the RAT are left at your own risk.

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What if I’d like to host a private event/party/seminar/wedding/class etc?

Please see our special events page for more information. We will work with you directly to build a package depending on the needs of your event.

 

Ok, I’m ready! How do I book a show?

    You can book available time directly on our website, or you can reach out to us at info@theratnyc.com and we can walk you through available dates and times to get you the space and package that you need!

 

Be sure to review our terms and conditions here. By booking a show at the RAT you agree to them!