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November,  2010
Ripley Grier Studios
RG 520 getting "Renovated and Refreshed"
RG BLDGHard to believe we've been at 520 8th avenue for 11 years now. As the parts of the facility that we built first begin to show their age, we are "renovating and refreshing" these areas with new floors, paint, and lighting, as well as decorations and restroom fixtures. We've also extensively redecorated 72nd street studios, as well as some of your favorite studios at 939 8th ave. This is a great opportunity for you to meet our handyman, David (he's the dude with the tools). Throw him a high-five, or just a shout-out if he's got heavy things in his hands - he usually does.


Stas Adds Years to His Life, Cash to His Wallet
stas iavorski - non smokerThis past month, our GM and booking guru, Stas Iavorski, became our second employee to take up our "stop smoking challenge". Smoke-free since early spring, He got $500 cash and a pair of very grateful lungs. (Stas declined to show his new, youthful, non-smoker's face for fear of getting mobbed on the street...)


SHAMELESS PLUGS
You can't have a staff full of performers and miss a chance for a plug or two. Be sure to check out Milk Can Theatre Company's "Malfi, inc.", playing at Theatre 54 (244 W. 54th Street, NYC)
November 10th-21st Tuesday-Saturday at 7pm and Sunday at 2pm. Casting by 72nd street studios' Lorraine Cink. Also, it's nearly time for the holiday run of Theatre Group Dzieci's signature piece, Fools Mass (check website for showtimes and locations), the show that earned us a mention in the Encyclopedia of Religion. Not bad for a pack of idiots...


Staff  Milestones
Congratulations are in order for one of our former staff members; Shaun Taylor-Corbett, once upon a time a desk-jockey here at RG520 and now a successful Broadway actor (you may remember him as Sonny in the Tony-Winning "In The Heights"), was married at the end of last month. We all wish him and his wife, the lovely Noemi Del Rio, all the best for the future. Celebrating birthdays this month are Noe Rojas on the 10th, Shakira Moran on the 18th, and Silvestre Lopez on the 26th. Feel free to shower them with gifts and affection all through the November!


Patricia Ripley Fitness at 131 W 72nd street
 "Functional fitness" classes are exactly what singers, actors and dancers need for strength and stamina.  Bob Audy says " this is the best class in the city"  If you need to jump start your fitness regime, or add to your workout schedule, this is the class.  No screaming teachers, no loud music no crowds (limited to 9 people), Just  a non-stop workout geared to your individual abilities. Call 212 799-LIFE (5433) ext 204, to reserve your spot.
Giving Thanks

Busy, busy here at the RG HQ. Mostly asking ourselves the same question over and again: "What else can we do for you?" Fresher, updated bathrooms? On the way. Artful, flattering lighting for the hallway areas? David is on his ladder as I type, making sure you look mahvelous. Beverages on sale at the front desk at all times? Done. And while we are taking care of all this stuff during the day, the painting elves are coming in at night and splashing some refreshing-yet-understated colors on your favorite studios. Some new great deals are coming your way as well: Pick up a new "Reward Card" at the front desk (book five times, get five bucks off) and we have rolled back our same-day rates for pairs or individuals singing or acting to $16. Also, book now and ALL spaces Thanksgiving week (November 22nd - 28th) are 30% off (3 hr max).  Whew!

Congratulations to Gebre Gebremariam, and all the marathoners! And a special tip of the hat to our own Desiree Nash for not only completing the darn thing, but shaving 30 minutes off her time from last year. You people amaze me. Speaking of people who amaze me, don't forget to hug a Vet on November 11th! If you don't have a Vet in your life, Butch Grier is happy to be yours. Giving thanks, all through the month.

Enjoy your Thanksgiving. Nothing beats a secular holiday on a THURSDAY. Instant 4 day weekend. Brilliant...

I'll leave you with my 1000 yard stare:

john norman
John
Director of Operations
Ripley-Grier Studios



VP BoyleCoaching Spotlight: VP Boyle


"I have been doing my professional workshops at RG for as long as I can remember. I love the fact that it feels so comfortable and warm. It's such a treat to be greeted by big smiles and all the great people who work here, who have become friends after so many years."


VP BOYLE is one of the most sought after Broadway audition and life coaches for professionals in New York City, and works with actors at every level across the country to spread his irreverent approach to theatrical wellness. He wears many hats in the Broadway community: director, casting director, actor, writer, producer; and is most known in the theatrical casting world for creating The Musical Theatre Forum, a professional casting workshop with every major Broadway casting agency in NYC.


VP currently serves as the creator and Chair of the New York Film Academy's new cutting-edge Musical Theatre & Film Conservatory Program. The two-year program merges conservatory musical theatre training with Broadway professionals and an intensive acting on film curriculum that culminates with an original movie musical film project.

His book, AUDITION FREEDOM: The Irreverent Wellness Guide for Theatre People is availalbe at Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble and Drama Book Shop NYC.

 

For info on VP's coaching and casting services, go to www.MaxTheatrix.com

Charity Spotlight:
Timothy Hill Ranch, Supported in memory of
Barry Lynn
barry Timothy Hill Childrens' Ranch is 
a 70 acre, farm-style campus, located in Riverhead, New York. The Ranch opened its doors for the first time on November 15, 1980. For 30 years, THCR has been a safe haven for hundreds of children during a desperate time of abuse, neglect, and crisis. Jerrell Hill, the Founder of THCR, was initially a preacher in Riverhead, NY throughout the 60's & 70's. He and his wife Fern opened their home and hearts to dozens of foster children who were homeless and in need of temporary housing. Their older son Timothy saw the painful hardships and emotional suffering that the children had endured, and was deeply affected. He told his parents he wanted someday to "build a place where troubled kids could live, be loved, feel safe, and have wide open spaces to ride horses." Tragically, Timothy died before his dream could be realized, but the ranch was founded by his parents and friends in his name.

RG has been a supporter of the ranch for many years. We make a donation each month in the name of our dear departed friend and staffer Barry Lynn, who we lost in 2007 to cancer. Thanks for your continued support of our little company, which helps us to continue our support of causes like this.
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