The Rehearsal Club: Affordable Housing for Aspiring Actresses in NYC
CBS New YorkJuly 7, 20251 min1,011 views
7 connectionsΒ·8 entities in this videoβThe Rehearsal Club: A Legacy of Support
- π‘ Founded in 1913, the Rehearsal Club provided affordable housing and a supportive environment for young women pursuing careers in the theater arts in New York City.
- π― Initially based in a brownstone on West 53rd Street, it offered amenities like a house mother, curfew, and two meals a day, fostering a sense of community among its residents, who were nicknamed the "Cinderellas of West 53rd Street."
Notable Residents and Closure
- π Famous actresses like Blythe Danner and Carol Burnett were among the many who benefited from the club's affordable rates, with Burnett paying $18 a week in the 1950s.
- π Despite its rich history and the success of its alumnae, the original Rehearsal Club closed its doors in 1979, with a skyscraper now standing in its place.
Revival and New Beginnings
- π In 2006, former residents embarked on an effort to revive the Rehearsal Club, leading to years of fundraising and a temporary relocation during COVID-19.
- β¨ A new chapter began in April when 10 young, talented women in theater training moved into a rented brownstone in Harlem, continuing the tradition of supporting aspiring actresses.
- π The Rehearsal Club's next goal is to purchase a property in Harlem to ensure the long-term sustainability of this vital resource for future generations of performers.
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Whatβs Discussed
Rehearsal ClubAffordable HousingAspiring ActressesTheater ArtsNew York CityBlythe DannerCarol BurnettCinderellas of West 53rd StreetHarlemFundraising
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