Joria Productions

This review is for the rehearsal spaces at 47^th street (where it appears to have moved). I haven’t seen the performance space.
This place has the cheapest practice rooms I’ve seen in the city, at $ 9 an hour. You pay for a piano in a room that is barely bigger than the piano, which is a trade off I am ENTIRELY ready to accept… if the pianos function as intended.
I believe my experience today explored all 3 rehearsal spaces. The 2 practice rooms and the larger dance practice room (which is usually NOT $ 9/​hr, more on that later)
One practice room was fine. The piano worked, was in tune, no complaints there.
Returning later in the day, that practice room was occupied so we were directed to the other. This piano was a little more out of tune, but I quickly discovered the sustain pedal was broken, an important feature on any real piano. I asked if there was another piano we could use with a working pedal, and was redirected to the larger dance rehearsal space (at no additional cost. I WAS happy with the customer service).
Unfortunately, it became immediately apparent to me that the dance rehearsal space piano was in even WORSE condition. Not a single pedal out of three worked, MANY keys wouldn’t stop sounding after I stopped pressing them, and both front legs were broken and not supporting any of the weight of the piano. I still don’t think I’ve realized how terrifying that should be.
So one working piano out of three doesn’t really cut it for me.
To Joria’s credit, the man behind the counter handled my situation well, trying to fix it the best way he could including moving us to the bigger room (which sadly didn’t help) and offering to refund our money (we were on a time crunch and didn’t have time to find another place to rehearse).
All in all, if I knew for a fact I could get the good piano for $ 9 an hour, I might consider coming back (I do love a good deal). But as of today, I am definitely not sold.

I recently used this space and was absolutely appalled by its conditions and how we were treated.
The studio «theater» space is a disaster. It reeks of animal urine, maybe because there is a dog that is here often. I love dogs, but don’t bring them to work if they are not trained well (or even kept well… the poor dog was dirty every time I saw it). People have allergies and health issues that should not have to deal with something like this without knowing.
The «backstage» area was crawling with ants, especially the bathroom. It’s unfinished and messily organized.
The bathroom was filthy. Mold was growing, the floors and walls were unkept, it was uttered with items that should have been cleared in order to have full use of the space as a paying renter. There were personal items, such as moldy towels and shower necessities everywhere that were clearly there for who knows how long.
The studio space, on one side, near the «backstage» was also cluttered with chairs, a piano, boxes, a drum set… all things that should be removed or organized in a way that you, as a renter, are still able to utilize the entire space that you have paid for. When you rent a space, it should be entirely available, not just a portion of it.
The stage lights available are out of date and simply a joke.
The worst part (can you believe it?) is that the air conditioning does not work. We were also originally told the owner was not legally obligated to provide a/​c. When we were finally allowed, we found it did not work in the least. And there was no attempt to fix it for the comfort of us and our guests. It was unbearable.
And lastly, the person who was most often behind the front desk was rude and inconsiderate. He had long hair and glasses. He has no business in this community unless he understands the needs of arts and, simply, paying customers.
I would never, EVER recommend this space. It may be cheap, but the filth, unprofessionalism, and general disaster of a space make it absolutely worth it to pay a bit more for a better space.

Horrible Place!
Run down, poorly maintained, dirty and I wouldn’t be surprised if its in violation of city and fire marshal codes…
The terribly divided spaces they call «studios» should get shut down by the authorities, they seem plainly unsafe. The same goes for what they call a «performance space».
The owners are disorganized and very unreasonable to work with.
I feel terrible for the young students thinking they are getting any decent art education in those spaces (Dance classes? On this floor??!)
I want to tell them to go down the block to 520 8^th Avenue to see what proper NYC studios look like.
Stay away.

This is a review as it pertains to rehearsal space:
This place is pretty run down and smells like cat pee. The owner has a cat he rescued from the streets who I’ve seen scampering around a couple of times. Now I’m all for rescuing homeless animals, but for God’s sake don’t bring them to work if they’re not properly trained!
Also, air conditioner in rehearsal spaces is more or less non existent. In the lobby, sure, but in the rooms you’ll boil if it’s summer.
All of that said, it’s admittedly a decent space with helpful and friendly (enough) staff. My first choice? Obviously not. But a viable one? Sure, as long as you’re not picky.

Now I know normally my reviews are pretty entertaining because much of what I experience, good or bad, usually provides me with some sort of comical or adventurous fodder to share. NOT THIS TIME!!! If I could leave no stars I would. These people are welchers who will renig on you at the last minute even with long time customers. They have no respect nor decency to honor long standing arrangements. With barely 4 weeks my theater company’s production, they changed their policy and cancelled all our show dates that were booked and paid for 5 months in advance. Although they did refund the money, they can not refund the many weeks of publicity, the printing of tickets, and other promotional materials. They are the quintessential example of unprofessionalism. Their actions towards theater companies are egregiously unparalleled. Anyone who can give this place more than a star is either working with the owner, a family member, getting paid by, or in cahoots in some way shape or form. DO NOT TRUST THEM!!!
BECAUSE I DO NOT KNOW HOW TO REPLY TO THE COMMENT LEFT BY MARIA Z I AM ADDING ON TO WHAT I ALREADY WROTE
Miss Maria check your facts. I know the director that booked the space and have seen paperwork contrary to everything you just said. EVERYTHING!!! Which means that you are with lying (as is customary apparently) or you DON’T know what the HELL you’re talking about!!! This director I am speaking of has been involved with Joria for at least 3 years. I am not speaking on her behalf, just as someone who feels that what was done to her and the production is just wrong. Period. Your operation over there is a ratchet raggedy mess miss. GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT BEFORE YOU OPEN YOUR MOUTH!!!

For a couple of decades I have had the joy and priviledge of using the facilities of Joria Productions. The thrill of their theatre space, which gives one all they could ask for to present, perform and create the magic of theatre. The classes presented there have helped me to maintain and to invigorate my physical being. They take such good care of each individual who attends their classes being sure that each aspect of the individual are being met and taken care of.
In addition they have the spaces offered with City Music School, where one can study a variety of classes with individual teachers in a one on one structure.
Thank you Joria for all you offer to the community in New York City!

I have been a City Music Schools and Westeside Dance Project student on and off for 12 years now and I’m not the only one! I began taking private music lessons back when Joria was located off 42^nd street– I took bass lessons from the talented John Blaylock and was pleased with their flexiblity when I needed to pass on one drum teacher before settling on Alan Aurelia, who understood how I learned best. After a few years of music lessons I began taking ballet after many years off due to a past injury and was so pleased– not only is it a non-​judgemental environment unlike other dance classes I’ve taken in the city, but Maria understands the phsiology of adult bodies– I studied dance in college and am a stronger dancer now, despite my age. A couple years ago I took voice lessons with the lovely Arlette Beauchamps and couldn’t have been happier with the experience. Beyond classes, I have rented rehearsal rooms and they are one of the lowest rates in the city. Couldn’t be happier with John and Maria at Joria!

I came to one of their Human Rights Theatre Project shows through Women of Color Productions this past weekend. The place was extremely poorly run. The show started 30 minutes late with no explanation as to what was going on. The audience members were forced to stand in a hallway about 2 feet wide while waiting for updates. There were about 20 of us squished in there. Tripping hazards abounded. I’m surprised no one got hurt.
I tried to buy a ticket when the show was supposed to start and was told by the box office manager that the box office wasn’t open. It was 4:28 and the show was supposed to start at 4:30. The box office manager was sitting there checking her email and seemed annoyed whenever anyone had a question. By the time the show was ready to start at about 5pm, I was told there was no change (they never had any) and I had to pay with exact cash or leave them with the extra money as an added donation. I asked if it was an Equity Showcase and was told «I don’t know — you have to ask someone else inside but you have to buy a ticket to get in. I’m pretty sure it’s not a showcase» As box office manager she should have had this info. I was only allowed in AFTER I paid for a ticket. It turns out it WAS a showcase and as an Equity member, I should have gotten in for free. For the record, I always give a donation.
The shows I actually stayed for were the most poorly written, directed and produced works I’ve ever seen — and I’ve seen a lot of bad theater. The only actor I knew in the showcase had apparently dropped out a few days prior because of how bad it was, but I was unaware of this and he was unaware I was coming to the show. There was NO NOTICE in the program or on any posted signs that there was a change in actors, which is standard info for any theater company to disseminate. If I could give this place zero stars, I would. From what I can tell, they bank on inexperienced actors inviting family members and friends to see them and that’s how they stay in business.

Watched Eek! The Mouseical here. The show itself was pretty neat.
Because it’s off-​off broadway the performers double as ticket takers, etc. Due to this there is almost no assistance readily available. You have to practice patience. On the up side, everyone is really helpful and very nice.