The Dancers of Miami City Ballet (MCB) have taken a significant step forward by signing cards to form a union with the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA). Since its inception in 1985 by Toby Lerner Ansin and Edward Villella, Miami City Ballet has earned global acclaim for its exceptional rendition of George Balanchine's choreography. Griff Braun, AGMA’s National Organizing Director, expressed unwavering support for the Dancers, saying, “The Dancers of Miami City Ballet are determined and embracing the journey toward becoming part of the Union. Witnessing their peers nationwide join AGMA has fortified their conviction that the benefits of standing in solidarity and speaking with one voice far outweigh any challenges.... Read More -->

The new collective bargaining agreement between AGMA and Seattle Opera was approved by AGMA leadership on March 25, 2024, after being overwhelmingly ratified by the shop. Thank you to the negotiating committee and congratulations on this 3-year agreement! CONTRACT HIGHLIGHTS COMPENSATION AND OTHER BENEFITS: Increases retroactive to September 1, 2023:​ Year One: 3% to 16.5%​ Year Two: 3% to 4%​ Year Three: 4% to 7%​ NEW payment model for Performing Principal Artists allowing them to receive their compensation weekly rather than after each performance. Parking or reimbursement for mass transit for all Artists Travel time counts as hours worked Decrease in weekly span and increase in over... Read More -->

AGMA will host two public sessions of “An Intro to AGMA,” the Union’s live new-member orientation and informational webinar. Those interested are welcome to join the webinar at 10:00 a.m. ET or 9:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, April 4. Register: 10:00 a.m. ET Register: 9:00 p.m. ET Both webinars will cover the same content, allowing participants to choose the best time for their schedule. The anticipated duration of the webinar is between 30 to 45 minutes. These webinars are open to the PUBLIC. We encourage you to share this link with individuals in your network who may find it interesting. Additionally, we extend a warm invitation to all AGMA members, whether they are new, have yet to attend an in-person ori... Read More -->

AGMA will host two public sessions of “An Intro to AGMA,” the Union’s live new-member orientation and informational webinar. Those interested are welcome to join the webinar at 10:00 a.m. ET or 9:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, April 4. Register: 10:00 a.m. ET Register: 9:00 p.m. ET Both webinars will cover the same content, allowing participants to choose the best time for their schedule. The anticipated duration of the webinar is between 30 to 45 minutes. These webinars are open to the PUBLIC. We encourage you to share this link with individuals in your network who may find it interesting. Additionally, we extend a warm invitation to all AGMA members, whether they are new, have yet to attend an in-person ori... Read More -->

In 2022, AGMA partnered with Savanta to conduct the Union’s first demographic census. On Tuesday, March 26, at 12:00 p.m. ET, AGMA’s Choristers, Actors, and Staff Performers Vice President, Helena Brown, along with AGMA’s Director of Communications, Alicia Cook, will join Brittany Grant, another recent client of Savanta, for a DEI Panel. Savanta will moderate the discussion as Helena, Alicia, and Brittany delve into the inherent issues stemming from systemic biases. They will explore strategies to further address and support DEI initiatives, with a particular focus on intersectionality, and discuss what roles they play in challenging their industries. “The Second Rise of DE&I” will be held virtually and is free ... Read More -->

AGMA has received word that beginning April 4, Manhattan Plaza is opening its waitlist for Performing Artists. Located at 400 West 43rd Street, New York, New York, 10036, qualifications will be based on Performing Arts Qualification guidelines and Section 8 Federal guidelines. Interested persons may apply for the lottery through the City of New York Department of Housing, Preservation & Development’s website, Mitchell Lama Connect. This is open to New York State residents only. If you need any additional information, please contact the leasing agent at arodriguez@related.com.  ... Read More -->

"It is a great honor to have been asked to serve as AGMA's Interim National Executive Director. I have been blessed by a long career as a union-side labor lawyer and mediator but these recent years representing AGMA's extraordinary members have been the greatest gift—truly the capstone of my career. Stepping up to help navigate this transition will allow me in some small way to give back to the Union that has given me so much. Thanks to the superb leadership of President Hanlon and the AGMA Board, former National Executive Director Sam Wheeler's incomparable intelligence and drive, and AGMA's remarkable professional staff, I am confident that these next months will be seamless and AGMA will continue to be a powerfu... Read More -->

The American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) is pleased to announce that the dancers of Dance Theatre of Harlem (DTH) have won their union and that the Dance Theatre of Harlem organization is partnering with AGMA in furthering our mutual effort to protect artists and improve their working lives. Just over one month after coming forward with their campaign, the Artists have prevailed in a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) election. Given the unanimous results, DTH management fully supports AGMA as the exclusive bargaining representative of the Artists. "We are elated to welcome the Dancers of Dance Theatre of Harlem back into the AGMA fold,” said Ned Hanlon, AGMA President. "Their return strengthens our union and reaffir... Read More -->

The American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) is pleased to announce that the ballet faculty of the School of American Ballet (SAB) have won their union! Just over one month after coming forward with their campaign, the faculty have prevailed in a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) election. Given the results, SAB management will recognize AGMA as the exclusive bargaining representative of its ballet faculty. "We extend our warmest congratulations to the Faculty at The School of American Ballet (SAB) for their win,” said Ned Hanlon, AGMA President. “This remarkable milestone not only demonstrates their dedication to their craft but also signifies a groundbreaking moment for AGMA as we welcome dance educators into our co... Read More -->

Webinar Alert! The Staging Staff Caucus welcomed Lori Rubinstein, the Executive Director of the Behind the Scenes Foundation, for a mental-health-focused presentation on March 11. The presentation was recorded and is now available for viewing (MyAGMA login is required). AGMA members can access the webinar by logging in to MyAGMA, selecting “AGMA Webinars” from the MyAGMA dropdown, and then “AGMA Caucus Webinars.” The Behind the Scenes Mental Health Initiative provides tools and resources to support entertainment industry workers and promote mental health and wellness. The session provided an overview of these tools and resources for mental and emotional well-being available to individuals seeking help for themselves, ... Read More -->