AGMA's August 2022 Newsletter was emailed to members in good standing on August 25. Members should check their spam/promotions/other folders if the newsletter didn't appear in their inbox. This month's newsletter includes AGMAzine, a link to register for the Labor Day Parade in NYC, contract highlights from recent ratifications, ways to support Starbucks Workers United, audition and job opportunities, updates from AGMA caucuses, and a recap of the August Board Governors Meeting. As a reminder, members can review ALL of AGMA’s past monthly newsletters by visiting the Newsletter Archive on the website (MyAGMA login required). ... Read More -->

AGMA President Ray Menard sent a letter to Senator Schumer on August 29, 2022. The letter expresses AGMA’s strong support for funding the National Labor Relations Board. AGMA’s recent experiences with NLRB delays underscore why properly resourcing the Board is urgently needed, and it is all outlined in the letter. AGMA relies on the National Labor Relations Board (“NLRB”, or, “the Board”) to administer elections for new bargaining units and to rectify violations of the National Labor Relations Act (“NLRA” or the “Act”), both by AGMA signatory companies and by non-union employers operating in the performing arts. The National Labor Relations Act protects the rights of workers to engage in collective action at ... Read More -->

The 2022 NYC Labor Day Parade is Saturday, September 10! The parade kicks off at 10:00 a.m. ET at Fifth Avenue & 44th Street. Any AGMA members in the area who plan to walk with AGMA leadership, staff, and fellow members in the parade should fill out this form by September 8. This way, AGMA can plan for your arrival and make sure we have enough AGMA buttons to go around. AGMA's meeting location is East 44th Street between Madison Avenue and Vanderbilt Avenue. Arrive around 9:15 a.m. ET for coffee and to get organized! Members who have AGMA swag are encouraged to wear it to the parade! ... Read More -->

AGMA is happy to announce that the Summer 2022 issue of AGMAzine is here! Follow this link to view/download the PDF or flip through the pages on Issuu. In this issue, you will hear from AGMA leadership, read important updates from AGMA, and get to know members through personal essays and interviews. We are still navigating through the pandemic, still fighting for equity. During this time, AGMA members have displayed great strength and solidarity. The theme of this summer’s AGMAzine is “AGMA on the Rise” which encompasses the growth and change AGMA and our members have experienced over the last two-plus years. We hope you enjoy reading AGMAzine, the official publication of the American Guild of Musical Artists. Special... Read More -->

The new collective bargaining agreement between AGMA and The Washington Ballet was ratified by AGMA leadership, after being overwhelmingly approved by the shop. There have been multiple additions and enhancements to the contract language, including improvements under compensation and benefits and new anti-harassment and anti-discrimination language. Thank you to the negotiating committee and congratulations on this 3-year agreement! COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: Compensation increases of 4%-20% in first year, 3% in second and third yearsApprentice ranks eliminated and replaced with Dancer Rates A1 and A2 with significant raisesAutomatic promotion to A2 rate for dancers who completed 3+ years in Studio CompanyCash bonus for all... Read More -->

The new collective bargaining agreement between AGMA and Houston Grand Opera was ratified by AGMA leadership, after being overwhelmingly approved by the shop. Let’s celebrate some gains! There have been multiple additions and enhancements to the contract language, including improvements under compensation and benefits, and DEI. Thank you to the negotiating committee and congratulations on this 3-year agreement! COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: Varied increases (2.5-3%) in Year 12% in Year 22% with additional increases to Health Retirement contributions in Year 3Upfront payment for Principal Artists in a new roleSeveral new provisions for Directors/ADs including overnight rest span, meal breaks, re-engagement, and free daysCho... Read More -->

A 1-year extension between AGMA and Milwaukee Ballet was ratified by AGMA leadership, after being overwhelmingly approved by the shop. Thank you to the negotiating committee and congratulations on this 1-year extension! CONTRACT HIGHLIGHTS All Dancer salaries will be increased by 2% for the 22-23 seasonThe Dancer classifications in the Basic Agreement will be increased by 2%Extended sick pay will remain in place for COVID-19-related illness, quarantine, or caring for another family memberUninterrupted dressing and makeup timeWeather-related rehearsal cancellations; rehearsals will be canceled or delayed when the Admin Offices are closedThe taking and use of professional photos and videos of Artists by Milwaukee Ballet requires... Read More -->

The new collective bargaining agreement between AGMA and Detroit Opera was ratified by AGMA leadership, after being overwhelmingly approved by the shop. Thank you to the negotiating committee and congratulations on this 3-year agreement! CONTRACT HIGHLIGHTS General increases of 5%, 3%, and 2%Specific increases to Chorus Performance fees in the first year of 13%-18%Specific increases to Chorus hourly rates in the first year of 15%-25%Specific increases to Prod. Staff in the first year of 11%-18%New Resident Artists and Associate Director terms and compensationWeekly hours for Principal Artists were reduced from 36-30.  Production Staff hours before overtime reduced to 50Production Staff Prep time extended to all concerts a... Read More -->

The Stage Managers’ Association (SMA) has announced its annual Del Hughes Awards for Lifetime Achievement in the Art of Stage Management. AGMA President Ray Menard is one of three distinguished 2022 honorees. “I have always thought the primary responsibility of the stage manager was to set a tone in rehearsal and performance that allowed everyone to do their best work and am grateful to the teachers, performing artists and colleagues who opened the doors and showed me the way,” said President Menard. “Thank you to the Stage Managers' Association for presenting me with the Del Hughes Award. I am honored.” According to SMA, the Del Hughes Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Art of Stage Management is the ... Read More -->

The new collective bargaining agreement between AGMA and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater was ratified by AGMA leadership, after being overwhelmingly approved by the shop. Thank you to the negotiating committee and congratulations on this 3-year agreement! CONTRACT HIGHLIGHTS Addition of five guaranteed workweeksCompensation increases of between 7% and 10% in first year, 3% and 4% in second and third yearsRetirement contribution increased to 7%Personal days increased to 3 per year for all ArtistsSingle rooms increased on all toursGuaranteed meal access following late performances on tour, including for special dietsBaggage allotment increased on longer toursIncrease in per diems and overtime ratesExpands severance coverage t... Read More -->