Resource Round-Up: Rehearsal Spaces in Pittsburgh
The two most important ingredients for launching a performance are money and space. Pittsburgh performing artists are looking for more spaces to rehearse. This doesn’t necessarily mean that rehearsal spaces need to be dance studios or theatre spaces.
Here are a few of the resources we could find to connect artists with space. We’ve organized this resource round-up by “music rehearsal” and “performing arts rehearsal" categories, and those who distinctly fit both.
Many recording studios in town may offer rehearsal space or similar opportunities. Some are mentioned below, but we encourage you to reach out to any studios you think may offer the services you need.
Music Rehearsal
Little Giant Recording Studio | @golittlegiant | 100 Asteroid Way, Pittsburgh, PA 15210
You can book rehearsal space at this new studio as little as 24 hours before your session! Each studio includes a mixer, speakers, mics and stands, all the cables you need (including an iPhone adapter), amps, bass heads, a four-piece drum set, keyboard, and more. If you practice for multiple days or have drummer-only rehearsals, you can get a discounted rate.
Local 724 Studio | @local724studio | 3420 4th Ave., Beaver Falls, PA 15010
Breakout Sound Production described this studio to us as the “most professional rehearsal space for any genre of music.” Their studio room is 20x25, and side room is 10x12, suitable for rehearsals, production, and small concerts, equipped with a 75-inch HDR display for livestreaming or producing. That includes all the equipment you need for livestreaming, performing and recording – but of course – you can always simply rehearse.
The Pittsburgh Music Academy | @pittsburghmusicacademy| 1146 Greentree Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15220
Suggested to us by Nicole Lennartz (thank you!), this school is known for enriching the lives of children through music. Their administration can coordinate space rentals in Greentree and Squirrel Hill, the latter, a large gymnasium space.
StorExpress Band Rehearsal and Practice Spaces | Multiple Locations
With locations in Etna and the South Hills, the STORExpress features a band rehearsal space, appropriate for all genres (and volumes). Their property includes video surveillance, free Wi-Fi, and artist studio spaces ranging from 100 to 800 square feet.
Multidisciplinary
Carnegie Libraries | @carnegielibrary | Multiple Locations
Various branches of the Carnegie Library have meeting rooms of many sizes available for reservation. The Homewood location has a large amphitheater in its basement (where you may have seen Quantum Theatre’s one-man performance, The Gun Show). The East Liberty location has a 50-person multifunctional space that could be used for dance rehearsal, as well as a few somewhat soundproof rooms that may be appropriate for electronic and acoustic instrument practice. We recommend contacting your nearby branch to better understand their amenities.
Wilkins School Community Center | @wscc_pgh | 7604 Charleston Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15218
This location was suggested to us by the folks at East End Performing Arts! This community center has smaller studios suitable for 12-40 people, as well as a large multipurpose space with a stage. “The room has 1,536 square feet of floor space and a stage measuring 14’ by 32.’ The room has accessible access via a ramp directly into the room. The multipurpose room capacity is 75 people.” That’s not even mentioning the kitchen or the gallery space open for meetings.
Performing Arts
Art & Style Dance Studio | @artandstyledancestudio | 318 Butler Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15223
You can rent this 3,000-square-foot hardwood floor on an hourly, weekly, or monthly basis. The space comes with a music system, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi.
Art in Motion Pittsburgh | @artinmotionpittsburgh | 1001 Main Street, Floor 2, Sharpsburg, PA 15215
This studio provides up to 30 chairs, 10 folding tables, a large table for event rentals, and is equipped with a kitchen. Your rental can even include dance teachers. Their website refers to party-style events, but those interested in rehearsal space can contact the studio for scaled-down package options.
Attack Theatre | @attacktheatre | 212 45th Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15201
Attack Theatre’s swanky new Lawrenceville location has multiple rentable spaces, including their 2,800-square-foot studio with a custom-built sprung floor. Office spaces are also available for rent, and a Creative Learning Lab is in the works, where artists can develop teaching content.
FireWALL Dance Theater | @firewalldancetheater | 25 W Main Street, Carnegie, PA 15106
Rentals of this hip new space are charged at three, two-hour increments. While the space is not described in detail on the website, some of our staff took classes here in their personal time and can report: cool lighting, mirrored walls, and Marley floors.
Ideal Dance Studio | @ideal_dance_pgh | 403 Butler Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15223
This 1,300-square-foot dance studio uses Peerspace to list its rental availability. Amenities include wood floors, dance barres and mats, a large front window, a dressing room, street-level access, speakers, and Wi-Fi. Charged hourly with a 2-hour minimum, you can even add on a dance teacher!
Joy in Movement Pittsburgh | @ joyinmovementpgh | 603 Lincoln Ave., Bellevue, PA 15202
This yoga studio has two spaces, approximately 450 and 700 square feet each. The language on their website refers to party-style events, but those interested in rehearsal in the space can easily take advantage of four-hour, six-hour, full day, or hourly rental options.
Kelly Strayhorn Theater |@kstheater | 5941 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15206
They describe their space best! “KST’s Alloy Studios are two newly renovated studio spaces designed to accommodate exclusive public performance events, classes, workshops, rehearsals, and much more. The ground floor studio features an LED theatrical lighting plot, professional sound, and sprung dance floor. The upstairs studio is a spacious, mirrored dance studio that overlooks Penn and Stratford Avenues. Both studios are wheelchair accessible.” Currently, the Kelly Strayhorn Theater and the Alloy upstairs and downstairs studios are available for use. All rental rehearsal inquiries must be submitted 72 hours in advance.
Level Up Studios | @leveluppgh | 4836 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15224
You can rent this 1,400-square-foot space in the heart of Penn Avenue’s commercial and arts district, with sound and lighting systems, mirrors, on-site parking, and more. It is a fully ADA-accessible space.
Maria Caruso’s Bodiography Center for Movement | bodiography | 5824 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15217
Bodiography has quite a selection of studios available, including two 2,000-square-foot hardwood spaces, a 2,500-square-foot space with Marley floors, and a 1,500-square-foot studio, also with Marley floors. Individual rentals are available at a flat rate of $75 per hour per event, but if you commit for a minimum of 18 weeks, you can receive alternative pricing options. Rental times must be during Bodiography business hours.
Sterling Yoga and Wellness Space | @sterling_yoga | 393 Vanadium Road, Suite 201 & 202, Pittsburgh, PA 15243
Sterling Yoga’s Amethyst Studio is an L-Shaped mirrored 1,000-square-foot studio, complete with props and a rope wall. Amenities include sprung wood floors, mirrors, a sound system, and a small break room. There is a maximum occupancy of 45 people in this space.
Not seeing your favorite space, or the space you run? If you don’t see a space you know of above, or if you know of an unconventional space that could work well as a rehearsal space, send an email with your information to info@pittsburghartscouncil.org and ask us to include it on this list.