We are so thankful for those who nurture and support artists; teachers, partners, family, friends, organizations, advocacy groups, and all who recognize the importance of the Arts. When it comes down to it, there is nothing more fundamental in moving our culture forward. It's through artistic expression that we're able to communicate ideas (sometimes without words), and reveal the raw truths and infinite potential of our beautiful humanity.
We are committed to doing our part too, as we continue to provide inspirational & creative spaces, and discover new exciting opportunities for the artists in our community.
See you at the studios.
Graham McCarty - RG Creative Director
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Supporting Actors for 100 Years! |
It's a familiar story: In the late 1920's, a couple of young dreamers were pursuing a dance career in NYC. The brother and sister duo were barely making ends meet as performers when suddenly, (which is so often the way it goes), they were discovered by a visiting talent scout from California. The scout asked them to come out to the West Coast for a screen test, and it seemed like their lucky break had finally arrived. Unfortunately they had no money, were behind on their rent, and had no way to get out to LA. The siblings were stuck. So they turned to The Episcopal Actor's Guild for help. EAG gave them a generous gift of $500 each, which was enough to get caught up with their rent and buy a couple train tickets. The rest, as they say, is history - Fred and Adele Astaire went on to have legendary careers in Film and Theatre.
Since then, many actors (some very well known) have walked through the doors at EAG, seeking the support that this wonderful organization is happy to provide. They are dedicated to helping emerging artists, who are in financial crisis, through scholarships, awards, and performance opportunities; and all this is made possible by the caring team running the show, including Karen Lehman Foster, who I had the pleasure of sitting down with recently. Karen has served as the Executive Director since 2008, but came to the organization in 2006 after seeing an ad in the paper for an assistant position. As she tells it, "I was doing some acting work and waiting tables, but really wanted to get back in to social service, which I have always been passionate about. It's been very fulfilling work." Karen became the Executive Director in 2008.
Karen was more than happy to provide some insight into all that EAG offers: "It's a two part organization, there's the CHARITY aspect: financial grants, food pantry, free classes, free headshots, etc.., and the EAG MEMBERSHIP." EAG's members are a vibrant and diverse community (mostly performers and artists) that come together to do produce shows & events, workshops, performances, and attend a monthly meet-up group where they can try out new audition pieces, run scenes, and experiment with all forms of artistic expression on a stage with lights. "It's a judgement free zone" says Karen. Members also help support the charitable side of things, with dues ($45 per year), ticket sales to their events, and more.
Next year, EAG will be 100 years old, and they are still going strong due to the generous support of it's members and other financial contributors. Just as Fred Astaire continued to faithfully donate $500 every single year for the rest of his life, the NY Arts community continues to to make generous donations to EAG that fund the needs and dreams of artists.
Interview by Graham McCarty
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Come explore our NEW SPACES. |
Next time you find yourself at our 520 8th Ave location, make a point to check out our recent expansion on the 17th Floor - 7 NEW STUDIOS specifically designed with you (our fellow creatives) in mind.
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- Advanced sound systems (with Bluetooth)
- Adjustable lighting
- State-of-the-art AC system
- Air purifiers
- Sprung wood & marley floors
- Spacious hallways
- Comfortable waiting areas
- Incredible views
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Call (212)799-5433 to reserve your space.
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Hurricane Relief Fundraiser |
We are accepting monetary donations for World Central Kitchen (WCK) at the reception desks at all RG locations.
(A portion of RG Merchandise sales will benefit WCK as well.)
WCK is an incredible team of "food first responders", who provide hot meals to devastated communities.
Thanks to the generosity of our clients, staff, landlord, friends, and a portion of proceeds from our recent art show, we recently raised over $5500 to support WCK's efforts in Florida, Puerto Rico, and also Ukraine.
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Check out WE FEED PEOPLE, the WCK* documentary on Disney+
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Since the beginning of the pandemic, we've proudly offered virtual classes, inspirational workshops, Q&As with industry professionals, and other Arts-related events. And although these events are FREE, your donations are appreciated, and have helped us support The Actor's Fund and allow us to continue providing these opportunities for folks who might not be able to afford them.
If you'd like to make a donation, please click the link below.
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More classes will be announced soon.
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Well, well, well.. How quickly life changes.
When I started the first draft of this article, I was commenting on great weather and being able to still go into the ocean. It was 60's and sunny. Euphoria. Then I got the news, one of my execs had tested positive for covid. I was concerned; I had worked with him on Wednesday. I seemed ok Thursday. Then another exec who worked with both of us tested positive. Scheduled to get my booster Friday eve, I called my doctor. He said if I did not have any symptoms to get it, so I did. On Friday evening I watched the World Series, (late night). Saturday I'm ok but I started to feel tired late Saturday afternoon. I chalked it up to the shot. Sunday evening, still feeling a little "off" and nasally, I tested myself twice with two different home tests before going to dinner with my family (9 of us "negative"). Surmising it was a cold, I cancelled my Monday morning fitness class. Monday I tested "positive". Eek!!! I became more congested so off to bed early Monday. Butch and Jeannie tested negative. I put on my mask and began to clean the shared areas in the house. It's strange but I did not feel panic due to the fact that I have had all the vaccines and followed protocols. Wearing a mask around the house and to bed (I change it every few hours). I open and close doors, drawers with one finger. I wash my hands more, have my own towels and change my bedding. I am taking Nyquil for sleeping and an expectorant for the lungs. So far the symptoms are like a cold but not as much sneezing; more chest congestion (shallow so far, not deep in the lungs). No sensory deprivation. I am eating lightly, mostly soups (had a couple of Reese's for Halloween). I am generally healthy and I recently had my physical: BP 110/80. Cholesterol down 30 points and lost 14 lbs in the past year.
Missing work and class is disappointing but I am getting yard work and paperwork done. It is a blessing to be able to get out, ride a bike, walk the dog, and even rake leaves. I know how difficult it is for city dwellers to get out. Hopefully I'll be back to work next week.
We're heading into the holidays striving to transition to "more normal" in our work and personal lives. We have a great staff and our spaces never looked better. We are welcoming returning clients and have a lot of new folks as well. We are currently working on streamlining some of our tech systems and have initiated "off site" work programs.
Jeannie (23), in her last year of grad school at Hofstra, is working in our PR / Marketing Department. Our grandson, Jackson, just turned 21. Grandson Ethan (a HS senior) will be 18 this Spring and is looking at colleges. Brooklyn, our granddaughter, will be 16 soon... and our youngest grandson, Griffin, will be 12 (so smart and clever). Very special times in the family. We'll be traveling for the holidays in December / January for the first time since 2019. Feels strange, but hopeful. Off to California: Santa Monica, Santa Barbara, San Francisco and Sacramento, visiting friends and family. In 2021 / 2022 we took a few trips to Tulsa to be with family and Butch's high school reunion. Butch and I had two getaways to Key West in Spring 2021 & 2022, a sanity check..
Advice: With the time change we all need to make time to be in the fresh air and sun. Stay active, get up earlier and get out. Take time to be alone, meditate, avoid overeating, "bad food", practice deliberate movement. It is the time of year to establish "winter" habits to stay fit, eat wisely and sleep well. I have changed my start and end time at work so I can get home before dark. Remember to say "no" to some activities that may come up this season that are not positive for your general physical, mental and emotional state.
Most of all, be "Thankful" for your many treasures.
PLEASE DON'T FORGET TO VOTE - PLAN AHEAD.
Peace, Patricia
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FULLY VACCINATED STUDENTS ONLY PLEASE
RESERVATION REQUIRED
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Hi everyone,
I'm getting ready to start my new class for this semester called "Business Essentials and Corporate PR". I haven't had this professor before, but after meeting her for a bit, I'm really exited to have her as a professor! She's very nice and has had decades of experience in PR.
We're getting ready to take our family trip to California in December / January. I went to Santa Monica myself last May and Sand Francisco in Jan 2022, but this will be the first time my parents and I visit together since 2019. I always love visiting Santa Monica, and I can't wait to see my friend Rayleene again. We go to Universal and sometimes Disneyland and always the Santa Monica Pier (and the Cheesecake Factory) together. On this trip we will be going up to Santa Barbara, San Francisco and Sacramento. I'll hopefully see my friend Julia in SF, and we'll see our family in Sacramento for the first time in years!
My dog Johnny is recovering from a skin allergy and had to have a biopsy on his skin to check for auto-immune disease. He is scratching so much he has to wear a cone on his neck to keep him away from that behavior, It's pretty strange but he is very cooperative.
My mom came down with covid and she is quarantining at home. We need to test often as covid is persistent. So far negative.
Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving & best Holiday Season.
Jeannie
Jeannie is the Assistant to the RG Creative Director and the Daughter of RG Owners Patricia Ripley & Butch Grier.
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RG Outreach Program
Ripley-Grier Studios is proud to give ongoing support to many wonderful charitable organizations. Since 2007, we have provided financial assistance to Broadway Cares, Make-A-Wish, Plan USA, Timothy Hill Ranch, The Actor's Fund, Wounded Warrior, Smile Train, North Shore Animal League, World Central Kitchen & Braking AIDS.
Donations Totaling over $100K
Please join us in supporting these and other helpful organizations. Contact Patricia Ripley at (212) 799-5433 (Ext. 204) for more info.
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Masks & Social Distancing are recommended in our public spaces. We will continue our efforts to insure that our studios and hallways are fresh, clean and ventilated for your safety.
For updated information about our covid safety protocols, call us at (212)799-5433 ex. 207
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VETERAN'S DAY
- November 11th -
THANK YOU to the brave people who have served our country - and a special THANKS to our fearless leader, Butch Grier, who in 1968 joined the Marines (at 19 years old) and fought in Vietnam.
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JOIN OUR CONTACT FREE
REWARDS PROGRAM
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Collect 5 stamps and receive $5 OFF your next studio rental.
Download the STAMP ME APP.
Get a FREE stamp for signing up.
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RG STAFF ZONE
This section is dedicated to the multi-talented staff we have here at RG. Check them out!!!
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Erlinda Alcantara 11/6
Noe Rojas 11/10
Millie Montgomery 11/13
Shakira Moran 11/18
Isabel Ramon 11/24
Alejandro La Rosa 11/24
Vincent Miller 11/25
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$10 PRACTICE ROOMS
*CASH PAYMENTS ONLY
or $15 with a Credit Card.
(Subject to availability of specific studios)
UNION DISCOUNTS
AEA / SAG / AFTRA
OTHER DISCOUNTS
10% OFF CASH PAYMENTS
ADVANCED BOOKINGS ONLY
SPECIAL SAME-DAY /
NIGHT RATES AVAILABLE
CALL (212)799-5433 FOR INFO
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Celebrate November!!!
National Adoption Month
National Children's Month
National Entrepreneurship Month
National Gratitude Month
Native American Heritage Month
Library Month
No-shave November
Lung Cancer Awareness Month
Military Family Month
Alzheimer's Awareness Month
All Saints Day (11/1)
National Author's Day (11/1)
All Souls Day (11/2)
Day of the Dead (11/2)
World Ballet Day (11/2)
Daylight Savings Day (11/6)
Election Day (11/8)
World Pianist Day (11/8)
Veteran's Day (11/11)
Thanksgiving (11/24)
Black Friday (11/25)
Small Business Saturday (11/26)
Cyber Monday (11/28)
Giving Tuesday (11/29)
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