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Oh fog machines...I have nightmares about using fog machines. We've set the fire alarms off more times than I can count. Once during a school-wide test day! Yikes! I'd love to know if there is a better option too! 

This is always an issue, you will need to see if your sensors are heat or particulate triggered, the particulates are what trigger some systems.

Another option is to have the alarm turned off for the performance then restarted after the production is done, I have seen this be allowed in some instances, especially with the zoning that is possible in the newer alarm systems.

I recommend speaking with your administration first, then meeting with your alarm system company to formulate a plan of attack.

Good Luck

That's really good advice with regard to the alarm system and its sensors. 

Another option, which in the long run is probably much better than a fog machine, is a dry ice fogger.  Many of us resist them due to their cost.  But, considering that I have purchased at least 10 oil driven foggers over my tenure as a theater teacher, the investment in a dry ice fogger seems minimal as they last a very long time and can produce all sorts of effects.  Purchase or make one and charge it off to the production.  Fundraising might be required, but in the long run I think you'll be much happier.  I have never had any experience with a dry ice fogger setting off alarms, but it might be worth renting a unit and testing it, first.

One can also create some neat dry ice effects with a bucket of water and a fan-- just depends on the desired image. 

This is a very common problem, one which many schools are not willing to deal with. On occassion schools will be willing to turn it off, but usually its hard because its part of a bigger system. 

I have been able to get around it by switching to a Haze Machine. The particulate count is much less dense and spread out over a larger area. I have packed my theater with haze and the alarm, never goes off. We had particulate counter in the space and it never really changed too much. At least not in the range of disaster. 

Low lying fog works well too. Just a very different look.