Ripley-Grier Studios: A Premier Rehearsal & Audition Space in NYC

Ripley-Grier Studios Introduce

In the heart of New York City's theater district, where dreams are born and artistic careers take flight, Ripley-Grier Studios stands as a cornerstone of the performing arts community. This is not a traditional art studio with pottery wheels and easels, but a dynamic, multifaceted facility that provides essential space for the city's artists, dancers, musicians, and actors. With multiple locations, including its flagship at 520 8th Avenue, Ripley-Grier is a premier destination for anyone seeking a professional, well-equipped space for rehearsals, auditions, private lessons, and more. For New Yorkers in the creative industries, it is a vital resource that has been voted "Best Rehearsal Space" by Backstage readers for years, a testament to its commitment to the city's artistic community.

The studios are known for their spacious and professional environments. Many rooms are equipped with mirrors, sprung floors, pianos, and sound systems, making them suitable for a wide range of activities. Whether you are a dancer perfecting choreography, an actor preparing for a Broadway audition, a musician rehearsing with a band, or a teacher holding a masterclass, Ripley-Grier offers a clean, well-maintained, and comfortable setting. The studio is noted for having "very beautiful plants and very old plants" that are well cared for, adding a touch of natural beauty and a unique character to the large, and sometimes "maze like," spaces. This attention to detail creates an atmosphere that inspires creativity and makes the long hours of rehearsal feel a little more pleasant.

Ripley-Grier Studios caters to a diverse clientele, from professional performing arts companies and casting directors to individual artists and aspiring students. The facility is a common site for auditions and open calls, making it a familiar and important place for anyone navigating the New York entertainment industry. While the bustling nature of the lobby can be a bit "hectic," as one reviewer noted, this simply reflects the energy and constant motion of the city's vibrant creative scene. The presence of a small cafe and food/ATM area is a practical touch that provides a welcome convenience for those spending time waiting or between sessions, adding to the user-friendly nature of the facility.

While a few reviews have mentioned challenges with customer service and certain aspects of the interior, the overall sentiment remains positive, with many artists continuing to use the space for their most important work. The fact that the studios have been a consistent top choice for years, despite the "lots of great rental spaces in NYC," speaks to the quality and value they provide. The studios offer a variety of amenities, including a soundproof voice-over suite for recording, and different floor types like sprung Marley and wood, to suit various needs. The availability of multiple studio sizes means that Ripley-Grier can accommodate everything from a small private lesson to a large group rehearsal.

The studio's dedication to its customers goes beyond just the physical space. They offer a Premiere Membership Program with exclusive discounts, free studio time, priority booking, and other perks. This membership structure provides a clear incentive for artists who frequently use the studios, offering them financial savings and added convenience. Discounts for union members, students, and non-profits further demonstrate their commitment to supporting the artistic community. While some minor critiques exist, they are often overshadowed by the larger positive impact the studios have on the professional lives of New York's performers.

Location and Accessibility

Ripley-Grier Studios is located at 520 8th Ave on the 16th floor, New York, NY 10018, USA. Its prime location in Midtown Manhattan places it in the heart of the city's theater district, making it a central and highly accessible destination. The studio is easily reached by New York City's extensive public transportation system, including the subway and bus lines. The building is equipped with a Wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring that all visitors, regardless of mobility, can navigate the facility with ease and confidence.

Services Offered

Studio Rentals for Rehearsals
Audition and Casting Space Rentals
Private Lesson Space
Classes and Workshops
Voice-over and Recording Studio Rentals
Specialized spaces with pianos, mirrors, and sound systems
Membership programs with discounts and perks

Features / Highlights

Wheelchair-accessible entrance: Ensures the studio is inclusive and accessible to all.
Professional amenities: Studios are equipped with essential tools like pianos, sound systems, and sprung floors.
Variety of studio sizes: Can accommodate everything from solo rehearsals to large groups.
Central location: Situated in the heart of the theater district for maximum convenience.
Community hub: A well-known and respected space for a wide range of artists and professionals.
Convenient on-site features: Small cafe, food, and ATM for waiting guests.

Contact Information

Address: 520 8th Ave 16th floor, New York, NY 10018, USA
Phone: (212) 799-5433

What is worth choosing

For performers, teachers, and creators in New York, Ripley-Grier Studios is an invaluable resource that is worth choosing for several compelling reasons. The primary benefit is the quality and versatility of its rental spaces. With a vast number of studios equipped with professional amenities, artists can find the perfect environment for any creative need, whether it's an intense rehearsal, a crucial audition, or a private lesson. The central and easily accessible location is a significant advantage in a city where every minute counts, making it a convenient hub for industry professionals.

While a few reviews point to minor inconveniences, the overall consensus is that Ripley-Grier provides a necessary and high-quality service to the artistic community. The fact that major industry players consistently use the space for auditions and casting calls speaks volumes about its reputation and reliability. The membership programs offer a strong incentive for frequent visitors, providing financial savings and exclusive benefits. For anyone in New York's performing arts scene, Ripley-Grier Studios offers not just a space to work, but a place to connect with the city's creative pulse. It is a vital and respected institution that provides the physical foundation upon which artistic dreams are built.

Ripley-Grier Studios Details

Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance

Ripley-Grier Studios Photos

No photos available at the moment.

Ripley-Grier Studios Location

Ripley-Grier Studios

New York New York County New York 8th Avenue

520 8th Ave 16th floor, New York, NY 10018, USA

Ripley-Grier Studios Reviews

An average rating of ★4.4 from 368 user reviews.

spaceroomsrentauditionbookclassesfloororganizedactingcafe

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

The main woman who takes bookings over the phone is truly awful. One of the worst customer service experiences of my life. The man who used to do this job was so much more helpful, patient, and pleasant. I dread speaking to her every time I need to book space at Ripley and to be honest, I have taken my business elsewhere because of this. There's lots of great rental spaces in NYC!
May 05 · Mia Bellini
We were visiting for an audition.They have very beautiful plants and very old plants 🌱 all through out the studious. Very large space and almost maze like. I’m attaching my favorite plants photos. I wonder who takes care of them and how old they are. Very well done!The interior is kind of tacky.The lobby was a little hectic! There were multiple young people kind of aggressively asking if you were going to a Disney something - and I was not. Funny, eventually we all ended up at the same place... :) so that was rather disorienting. That’s why four stars Here’s a sword. ()xxx[]:::::::::::::::::>There’s a very small cafe/food/atm which was fine and helpful because you could spend some time in the hallway waiting.
March 01 · Jam Yoo
i attended a wonderful class last night led by an amazing choreographer , but witnessed an unsavory encounter from another choreographer. she was very rude with informing my choreographer about her designated time slot. i understand timing & scheduling are important, but the way she was spoken to was highly unacceptable. she was then spoken to rudely by one of your staff which i also found highly disheartening. they were very combative with her when all she was trying to do was diffuse the situation.. i hope this situation has been handled with care as i otherwise had an amazing time!
March 25 · Kyla Lee (Kaii)
1. I had to fill out my information twice to register. Once I understand, when I asked why I had to fill out a separate online form I was told it was to a different entity. When I asked what that entity was I was told it was them (RG) as well. It’s inefficient, doesn’t make sense and makes me feel like my info will be sold.2. When I tried to book over the phone, I had to look up my number as the number was new. I was told I was suspicious. I don’t think a customer with an ‘English’ name and no accent would have been called suspicious.If you are a person of color I would think 3x before patronizing this establishment.
March 26 · Gori Olufon
Ripley-Grier Studios are my go-to studio choice when I have a client that needs product photography of all kinds. They have locations all over the city, making it highly accessible. Each location has a many rooms of varying sizes. Whether you need a small space for table top shooting or a larger space for on model shoots, you can find what you need here.The rooms are affordable and some even have dressing rooms and showers for the models. They can provide, sound systems, tables and chairs and also have free WiFi.It's a great choice when you want an affordable space to shoot in.
December 01 · Pierre Williams