I have been training in dance at this studio for about 7 years and I must say it's been pretty great. They have vending machines in case you need a quick drink or snack. This is a multi use studio so you can rent rooms for a variety of things which is cool and you can rent a room for 15 min for a quick stretch. The staff is always really nice and helpful. You will need an ID to get in the building and arrive early because sometimes the lines can be long to enter the building. read more

I love all the locations of RGS! I always feel welcomed when auditioning, and always rent warm up rooms here.

I've taken multiple classes here with different instructors and also rented studios for dance practice. Each multi-purpose room has a piano, mirrors, chairs, and music stands so can be used for music and acting too. There are bathrooms and water fountains on each floor. Ripley-Grier has multiple locations, so be sure to double check the address! The 520 8th Avenue location is very busy, and there's a check-in counter on the first floor for the entire building. An ID is required, and they typically take your photo. They are normally quite nice except for the caucasian guy who has a stick up his ass, and he's used an actual megaphone to yell at people chatting in the foyer before. Sometimes there's no line, and other times there's a line that wraps around three times and goes out the door. I recommend getting there 10-15 min earlier just in case. For this location, the studios are located on Floors 16 and 17. For smaller groups, you can usually just call on the day of to book a studio and get the best rate. Can be reserved in 30 min increments, and if no one is using the room afterwards, then you can always extend if you need to. There's a discount for your first time booking, and if you book 5 times, then you get $5 off with their punch card. The Bluetooth can be a bit finicky to connect to in the rooms. Overall: Great multipurpose studios that are easy to book! read more

Ripley-Grier Studios - Recording & Rehearsal Studios Near Me - New York, New York

REALLY TERRIBLE experience. I was looking for a large studio for recital and checked out the availability with the front desk. Front desk was nice and he said we can only book the room with the 'manger'. Well then I wrote the polite email to ask for the reservation. Someone responded so rudely and rejected my request without providing any further suggestion or help - the reason 'rooms of that size are only used for large scale, all day, auditions and lockouts'. 'room of that size can only be booked out two weeks in advance' which totally not mentioned in their website, brochures or even told by they staffs. The WORST and RIDICULOUS customer service that I've ever had. read more

Ripley-Grier Studios - Recording & Rehearsal Studios Near Me - New York, New York

Front desk staff at 520 is mean and awful. Wish there were other affordable options in the area.

The studios are good, though a bit pricey. Sometimes there is a really long line downstairs to get your ID + vaccination checked, so plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early. Ripley Grier offers a variety of rooms of various sizes, so there should be something for everyone's needs. read more

The front desk staff are rude to some musicians entering the building studio for rehearsal just because they think the musicians are food delivery personnel without even asking. read more

Removing one more star because I got the following message. I suspected it was a staff from RG, maybe Winston himself. Odd thing is, this person sent me this message 2 months AFTER he/she voted my post as "funny." Wonder who the loser is to let me live inside his/her head for so long and sent me a message at 2AM EST. This person also seems to take issue with my name but he/she is cowardly enough to use the very authentic "Dt N" After I complained to Yelp about his/her message, Dt N deleted the message and unvoted the review. But he/she should know there is such thing as a screenshot, like the photo here. read more

Ripley-Grier Studios - Butch, is this one of your staff? - Recording & Rehearsal Studios Near Me - New York, New York

I came here for a dance class with few of my friends. Neat little building.. I got lost finding my dance class though. Lack of directions.

Beautiful studio! My daughter attended a Broadway intensive and we loved the facility. Can't wait to come back!

Ripley Grier is a great rehearsal and audition space. Aside from the irritating way of waiting in line to show ID while getting your picture taken, this place is a breeze from the moment you get off on the 16th Floor. Your first experience here may be shocking. Meredith M. puts it perfectly. It's exactly like the condo of an "artsy", old, Floridian cat lady. I kind of love it. As their website puts it (and I love this...): "Harmonious environments created using Feng Shui principles." Enough said. The studios range in size from small to large and every size in between. There is ample space to wait for auditions (even if the company you're auditioning for is cheep and by-passed the renting of a holding room). It does get confusing when you are trying to find some studios, but take a little time, look at the LCD TV when you get off the elevator, follow the signs and you are there! I love the Cafe they have. No other audition/rehearsal studio can boast this addition. Great staff...some of the best that I've encountered at studio spaces. read more

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I had been following the Cookie Monster and Tara Renee on Instagram for a while. I had the opportunity to finally take their class while visiting New York. The building is state of the art. The restrooms are small but clean. The building is hot. There is a lack of AC so we had windows opened and the fan going. The dance class was 2 hours and it was phenomenal. The teachers made you feel comfortable. I enjoyed the dancehall class. It would be perfect if they had food or healthy snacks verses the vending machine chips. read more

Is it weird to Yelp your own workspace? Okay whatevs. I basically live here for auditions. Out of all of the audition spaces in the city, this one is my favorite. The feng shui? I dig it. Prices are a little high at the cafe on the 16th floor, but for the convenience it's worth it. The rooms are all always clean, and I've never had an issue with a piano being out of tune. Pro tip: if you need to get to the 10th floor, take the elevator to the left. You can't go to the 10th floor from the 16th or 17th floors; you'll have to go all the way down to the lobby and switch elevators. read more

Ripley-Grier Studios - Just chillin, waiting to get seen - Recording & Rehearsal Studios Near Me - New York, New York

Hands down, this is a fantastic rehearsal space. I just want to remind who ever answered the phone today and took my reservation to please hang up before you start talking smack. I know, it is the holiday season, but it was a simple space booking with no crazy questions or requests. Thanks. read more

During season I come here for rehearsals with my dance group twice a week for a couple weeks a month. The facility is pretty easy to get to by train. You must show a photo id to get in to the elevator to get to the studio. Some areas for improvement: Later hours for snack bar. Seems to close too early sometimes. Provide separate changing rooms outside of the bathrooms. Sometimes the ladies rooms get very busy because they are being used as bathrooms and changing rooms. More noise proofing or limit how loud studios can get. Sometimes we are next to a studio that has their music so loud they must be blowing out their ear drums - it can be quite disruptive to our sessions. I can see how "quieter" groups can get really annoyed by this. Good stuff: Lots of things for use inside your studio: Piano, table, chairs, speaker, ballet bar, good mirrors. Very helpful staff members. One in particular seems to go out of his way for us on a regular basis. I wish I could remember his name. Studios are pretty clean. And if you are a theater nerd you may catch a famous person or two showing up to rehearsal if you are lucky. I have yet to see anyone - yet.... but J Lo was spotted in the building the other day when I was there :0 read more

I have been coming to Ripley Grier for many many years. It's one of the best studios in NYC and they are easy to secure even at the last minute. They have great spaces with many many rooms to choose from in 2 locations. Many studios have windows and great natural lighting. Some rooms have pianos and/or sound systems. The prices are pretty reasonable especially for the great location near many train lines. They also have a cafe on the premises that has great food options. I have taught many many classes at this location and will teach many many more. read more

Come early, do your homework on the studios for rent, and you'll be fine. I rent out the two wooden rooms on the 17th floor on a weekly basis and I'm always happy with what I get. The floors are in good shape (sprung wood floors), and rental rates are somewhat reasonable... For a private room in which you can have no distractions it is very reasonable when you have same studios charging floor fees that are nearly comparable to renting out this private room. I can't really comment on other rooms because I don't bother with them. If I cannot get either of these for rent at the time I want - I don't rent here. The major downside of this place is the check in at the security desk in the building lobby. It can sometimes have a huge line at peak hours, making it a bit unexpected. You can wait 5-10 minutes while they check ID's and take pictures of everyone entering the studio. I've never had a problem with any of the reception and management on the 16th floor. They've been very courteous and respectful... and they don't rush to kick you out if there is no one behind you. 5 minutes over isn't a huge deal to them if there is no one behind you in the room. read more

I enjoy going to Ripley Grier for my belly dance workshops. Its easy to get to and the rooms are nice for dancers to spread out. Many times you'll go to "dance studios"and its like a renovated tomb. Nourhan of the Egyptian Academy holds excellent dance workshops there with experienced teachers. I feel like a professional dancer in the studio because of the great location and atmosphere. I come from NJ so its a nice way to spend the afternoon perfecting my skills! read more

Do not ever go to them I found an ad on Craigslist about casting calls for extras, I went there I met George. He told me to read script after I read he was very happy and and exaggerate about my performance. Then he calls me to send me to a photographer to get my pictures done and that will cost me money. He dose not have any plan for me or any future roll just want me to pay for pictures. Everybody is trying to make business though this kind of ads. Never trust those people. read more

Ripley-Grier is like the I-Ching of Rehearsal/Audition studios: the beginning and the end. When you first start auditioning for theater stuff in New York, you start to think it's the only game in town. Then when you start to get cast in things, you realize it's a great place to rehearse as well. Rates are fairly cheap and the rooms are quite nice. I also love the new little cafe they put in there. Lord knows sometimes I need a smartwater before an open call. Two complaints: the place is a complete maze. Seriously. I've been there dozens of times, and still never know if 16A is to the left or 17B is upstairs or what. Somehow I always manage to walk in circles. 2, some soundproofing of the studios would be nice. While of course it's nice to hear your competition while you're waiting outside, hearing the horrible rock musical rehearse next to you while you try to do Shakespeare is not fun. But other than that, Viva La Ripley Grier! read more

Ripley-Grier studios is like the condo of a colorful cat lady who has had a long rich life. She loves plants and animals. She dabbles in African art. She leaves her Christmas lights on all year long. She surrounds herself with posters, pictures and cards of the people she loves. So yeah. The ambiance totally makes this place. With numerous studios holding auditions, classes and rehearsals at once this place could be total chaos. But it's NOT! The staff is friendly, professional and organized. The cafe on the 16th floor has EVERYTHING you could want. EmergenC, Coffee, tea, fresh fruit, frozen dinners and much more! read more

Not my favorite studios by any means, but they'll do in a pinch. Please NEVER leave your things in the hall. I went in for an audition that was max, 2 minutes long. I had covered my bag with my coat carefully under a chair. Came out to find my Louis Vuitton wallet stolen. The unconcerned staff showed me the video of a young man scoping me out for at least 10 min before I went into the room and pouncing when I left. It was awful. Lesson learned. Even if you look like a bag lady, take them into your audition! read more

I've attended dance workout classes here, one for dancehall and the other for Socamotion. Located on the 16th floor when you enter the staff is friendly and welcoming at the front desk. There is a whiteboard with a drawn out map of the studio rooms. The place is very colorful. Each studio room has a print out taped to the door of the different class schedules to be held and the name of the instructor. Each instructor keeps true to their allotted times as there is always a next class waiting to use the room. If you need to change there is a bathroom but it's a bit small and can get very cramp if a bunch of girls are changing at the same time. There are no chairs or benches to sit and change your clothes. There are only two bathroom stalls. There is even a shower stall in the bathroom. I don't know if anyone actually takes a shower in it, but it didn't look too inviting or clean on top of that, but it is an option if you need to take one. There is a water fountain in the hallways if you want to refill you water bottle. The water is nice and cold. There is also a café on the floor that sells a variety of foods. read more

Nice, versatile studio space... and an upper west side location! That's fantastic for those of us who don't want to trek to Midtown or Chelsea, where all the other rehearsal space seems to be. Check in is quick and easy, even for first-time renters. There's a few forms to fill out and rules to read, but the entire process takes less than five minutes. I needed a large studio and the 10'X20' space was perfect. The studio came equipped with a piano, ballet barre, air conditioner and stereo. There are yoga and tumbling mat available for a reasonable rental fee. USEFUL TIP! Day-of space is deeply discounted, which means I got my room for just $20 an hour instead of the regular $35. read more

This review is SOLEY for the KILLER BODIES class. I have no idea how rehearsal space is here, as I'm not an artist. Came here through classpass. If you want go to deaf, take this class. If you want a headache, take this class. If you like working out in the dark, take this class. If you like not having instructors help you out with posture, take this class. If you like not being able to hear anything forever, take this class. If you like a semi-disorganized class, take this class. If you like crappy, random music (okay, okay, Mizz B & Linkin Park were a nice mix in there), take this class. NOT SURE IF YOU HEARD ME CAUSE I'M DEAF AFTER TAKING THIS CLASS, BUT IF YOU LIKE ANY OF THOSE ABOVE THINGS, TAKE THAT CLASS!!!!! read more

Way cleaner than some of the other rehearsal spaces I've been in, also some rooms have a beautiful view. Pianos could use some major tuning though ! read more

I was pleasantly surprised by this studio space. Most studio rental places have bland or intimidatingly stark administrative atmospheres, but Ripleys is warm and inviting. The rehearsal studios I've been in are clean and well maintained and the prices are pretty reasonable. And if you need a place to warm up before an audition, you can have a room for 15-minutes for $5! To top it off, there is a little food shop where you can buy water and other provisions, so you don't bother with the 7-11 across the street. read more

Jan.26, 2021 Great studio space. TERRIBLE SERVICE! Was rude when I called and when asking a question said "it doesn't matter" and used the rudest tone. If making a booking- better make it at the actual place unless you want rude service. read more

Honestly one of the best places in Manhattan to hold auditions or rehearsals. It is conveniently located in on 37th and 8th ave, and thus its convenient for anyone who lives in Manhattan and also for those commuting from the outside because it sits right in the middle of Penn Station and Port Authority. The staff and management are friendly and efficient and I have never had a problem there. As a matter of fact, I've only had positive experiences there that always left me with a smile as I left their studio. If you're a casting director, a filmmaker, a dance instructor, or a singing coach, check out the studio and book a room with reasonable prices at a great location, I highly doubt you'll be disappointed. read more

What an awesome place for entertainers of all kinds who need studio space to rehearse!! I have now been to three workshops at this location and it is incredibly convenient that there is a cafe on the 16th floor that sells coffee and a variety of snacks, as well as a restaurant on the first floor that is connected that has awesome soup, salads, and sandwiches. If you need to rent studio space to rehearse this is definitely the place to go in midtown. read more

This is definitely NOT my favorite studio space. Upon entering the building, they don't just check your ID. No, you have to stand on one of those mats that indicates where your put your left and right foot. Then you stare into a camera and they take a photo of you that way. Apparently, the FBI owns this building. Or someone just enjoys having people take mug shots to go to classes. Or both. So not amused. On the 10th Fl. which is part of Ripley Grier Studios is basically a make shift of audition class/seminar space that is used for many purposes. The waiting space is so cramp. Not enough chairs. Definitely not making a trip here a habit. The rooms are configured a big weird that if you are standing and the place is cramped which it is, you might very well be blocking the door to a particular room. With that being said loads of people still come here so there's that. The best part about this place is obviously location as it is close to Penn Station therefore making it very accessible to all those who seek it. Seek it not. Necessity No. But sometimes as an actor you just have to roll with the punches. read more

A lot of options for rooms (ranging from tiny to huge) for a varied fee. Everything is clean, pianos are tuned, nice cafe for when you really really need some coffee. I personally use these rooms to teach voice lessons, and I have also been here for rehearsals for other events. Good location - very central to almost everything and all the trains. Yes, it's a maze, but you get used to it, and yes, you can hear people in the other rooms, but whatever, pull the blinds and nobody knows who you are... read more

This venue has great rehearsal space. We came for a preview to a one-man show. It was moving and powerful. The rates are pretty decent for rentals, and the cafe does a mean iced cappuccino. The lavatories are a bit tricky to find, but well kept and sanitary. read more

This place is awesome. For best results, reserve a big room read more

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Is there a reason why the female front desk associate was such a blatantly rude bitch to me? I came in early for a class, she haughtily called me over, told me I was too early, admitted that she was going to be rude about the interaction and told me to come back later. I wake up at 445am, work construction for 11+ hours, and came to take a class. There was no need for her to be such a piece of shit about the interaction. I understand covid being a priority to respect but if she was so concerned why wasn't SHE wearing a mask. I will ACTIVELY vocalize my shit experience with your front desk person. Check your camera's for 7:35pm onwards if you wanna read her rude lips. Please and THANK YOU. read more

Simply awesome experience observing a mock audition at this venue! Michael Barnard, Phoenix Theatre's Artistic Producing Director, brought a group of 30 patrons to enjoy this experience! Amazing moments from the time we walked into the door! Bonus was the presence of the talented James Kenney taking these young folks thru the process! Be still my heart!! read more

The studios are pretty clean compared to most of the other options you can find. The staff is normally friendly. But if you are booking a room for a play rehearsal, auditions or something else that requires a fair amount of quiet, I would look elsewhere. Lots of these rooms are rented out for dance classes and there is always loud music playing at disruptive levels and nothing gets done about it. and people are always way too loud in the hallways. the 'Quiet Please' signs RG puts out there don't do anything. read more

This my be considered the 1# rehearsal space in NYC. That's about it. Ripley - Grier is a racist business to the core.The staff here can use a lesson in customer service. The management, who are not only rude and unprofessional, also racist and bigot towards Black Males. So I am not surprised that this is where it starts. I've been booking space here for more then 5 years, have spent thousands of dollars at this establishment. Today I was treated and told none of that matter, by both the owner "Butch" and the General Manager "Stas". Who's name I had to look up on the companies web site, as it was never even given to me. Like I said I've been coming here with my producing partner for years. My routine has always been the same, call or show up and book the same day. Never had anyone challenge that. Sometimes I even have come and waited for my party to arrive and then book. Still never having a problem with anyone at the front desk, doing that. The biggest problem up to today, had been the wrong listing of my production on the directory. Outside of that no worries. What makes today so odd from all the other days? Was the racist and hostile treatment I received today, from the management at Ripley Grier on wed day May 28th, 2014 at 1:30pm. The responsible parties the owner "Butch" and general manger "Stas". Here's the story! I arrived at Ripley Grier to wait for my producing partner, Niles and our actors for our rehearsal today. Niles arrived and one of our actors arrived. As we where sitting waiting, I am approached by staff who doesn't identify himself. He asked us do we have a booking? I reply no, I am waiting on some more people to arrive. We'll be booking our time. He then says, "You can't wait here, you can't do that", "you have to be booked first." Fine I tell him I'll go and book, which I do. As I am booking I tell him, "You do know that I come here all the time, this is the first time I am hearing of this". I explain to him that yesterday, I was booked here with out a problem. His employee Jorge has seen me all the time, I explain. Jorge obviously acts like he hasn't seen me before. This staff member, doesn't explain or apologizes and walks off. I asked Jorge what's the deal? Jorge says, "They have camera's everywhere". Iam like what does that mean? Well, I pay for my booking and as I am doing that. I noticed his staff person, who I later learn is the General Manager Stas, is standing there watching me to verify that I pay. Once he sees me sign a receipt, then he walks off. I go back and share with my partner, what just happen. He's shocked, as is our talent who was with us. She left cause the vibe just threw her off. This pissed me off, so I had to cancel my whole day. I then go back to the front desk and ask to speak with this staff person. I demand they pull up my booking receipts, so he can understand how he's treating a customer. His staff shows him and then he says "SO"! I tell him, "oh that's how it is", "then just give me my money back for my recent booking". They do! They he tells me to, "get out or he's calling the police". I tell him, "I still want to speak to your boss". He tells me, "don't yell, point or question him, cause he's the General Manager". He ignores me and says, "get out"! Telling the staff to call 911. Then he walks off. I ask the staff, for the name of the owner and everyone has got amnesia suddenly. They won't even print out copies of my receipts from booking there. Finally they realize they can print them out. Then I ask for the name of the owner again, no ones answers. Another staff person, comes out and says, "do I want to speak to the owner". "Yes", I say. Next I am presented to a man named, "Butch". I introduce myself and we shake hands. I explain to him about what has happen, that I don't understand what the problem is with his employee. I show him my receipts and loyalty card as a customer, he pretends like his concerned with hearing my issue. I say to him, "what's the problem with his employee, concerning me today". "Does his employee have issues with my race?" He then gets megalomaniac and says "race" and then storms off. Telling the staff to put me out and not to book to me ever again. I tried to be diplomatic, about being harnessed and discrimination against. It's apparent that isn't even worth the time. So finally I leave. Ripley - Grier is a racist business to the core. They act like they're intuitive and professional. That's fraud. Don't spend your money here with these bunch of fakes. No matter what your race is. To be treated like this is just disgusting. Today was so disgusting on their part towards a client. You think I was in 30's or 40's Oklahoma. So I am not surprised by "Butch's" attitude at all. Butch's behavior as the owner was amateurism, inappropriate and beyond human decency. The general manager "Stas" is a idiot. Butch needs to have his business taking from him just like David Sterling. That's just what I am going to work towards. read more

My previous review was not about the studio... lets be real. Some bitch wasted my time, tried to take my money and I didn't know where to vent so I used my favorite website. Ripley Grier is a great place to rehearse, audition, and meet great people. The staff is friendly, the bathrooms clean, and water is only a buck. Good things. Now if only I could become a better tap dancer.. hahahahahhahahah AHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAH ahahhahahahhah OK SO. i responded to a craigslist add about a modeling audition. they said short people were welcome because they had lots of print work to fill. i email and call the number, some lady (whose name i still don't know) says to come in at 3:30PM and see one of the reps. I ask if there is anyone specific i should talk to, she says "i don't know i just answer the phones" ok. so i show up. i get sent to talk to this lady who is on her cell phone and helping another person. she waves me over and says to hold on a min. this is our conversation: me: hi i'm Helen, I had a 3:30 appointment but I wasn't told who I should see necessarily lady: did you bring pictures? me: yes, here they are lady: beautiful. me; thanks, what is your name? lady: don't worry about that Me; oh.. ok, so i'd like to know more about this audition lady: so here is the deal, we have a website, and you gotta get on this website, we take more pictures and we send you to bookers. its $220 are you in? me: um.. i came for an audition.. i wasn't expecting to have to pay you money... IS there even an audition? lady: yeah but you can't audition until you're on our site me; so do you represent your models? and what is the screening process? i mean how do you know I am any good? lady: i don't know anything i am just a photographer. so are you joining the site or not? me: so i don't know your name, you don't know who represents your models, i can't audition, an you want my money?? lady; that's right me: here is my business card, when you figure it ALL out, feel free to call me. lady: ok good because i have a meeting to get back to. ... i walk out. WHAT????????????????? read more

I've been using the RG studios for three years now and they've been my go-to space for photography headshot sessions. The fact that they're reasonably priced allows me to run my business competitively and profitably, and I pass the savings on to my clients. They are also conveniently located and accessible to all my clients. If you are a photographer looking for studio space, I would definitely recommend RG. read more