Disability in Opera: Katharine Goeldner in Conversation with Young Artist Hailey McAvoy Disability in Opera is discussed in the latest issue of AGMAzine. AGMA Governor Katharine Goeldner speaks with Young Artist and fellow mezzo-soprano Hailey McAvoy about how the Performing Arts industry can better serve artists with disabilities. As an artist with mild cerebral palsy, McAvoy’s authenticity includes embracing physical disability in her life onstage and off. Today, we share this important conversation as part of the Union’s AGMAzine Spotlight Series. Katharine Goeldner (KG): Hi, Hailey! Thanks for discussing how our industry can better serve our artists with disabilities. So, first question: What do you suggest as the ... Read More -->

AGMA’s National Organizing Director Griff Braun contributed an essay examining the current strength of AGMA and how the Union can become even stronger in the summer 2022 issue of AGMAzine. Today, we share his piece as part of the Union’s AGMAzine Spotlight Series. By Griff Braun, National Organizing Director As AGMA’s National Organizing Director, my primary focus is on making our union stronger.  But what does it mean for a union to be strong?  In my view, a strong union is one that has the capacity for direct member action – whose members understand that their power is collective and are always ready to stand with each other.  A strong union is also one whose presence in its industries is large enough... Read More -->

Longtime AGMA dancer Georgina Pazcoguin is here to disrupt the status quo. She is co-founder of Final Bow for Yellowface, an author, and the first female AAPI soloist at New York City Ballet. Pazcoguin’s many NYCB credits include Anita in West Side Story. Her extensive repertory of George Balanchine works includes lead roles in A Midsummer Night's Dream and Tchaikovsky Suite No. 3. Her Broadway Credits include Ivy in the 2014 Revival of On The Town. Georgina originated the role of Victoria the White Cat in the first revival of Cats on Broadway, choreographed by Andy Blankenbuehler in 2016.  Ms. Pazcoguin was a recipient of the Mae L. Wien Award for Outstanding Promise in 2002. She is a two-time Chita Rivera Award nominee f... Read More -->

The new collective bargaining agreement between AGMA and New York City Ballet was approved by AGMA leadership, after being overwhelmingly ratified by the shop. ICYMI: This bargaining victory was featured in the New York Times on September 8! Let’s celebrate some gains! Notably, by the end of this new agreement, pandemic-related cuts will be restored, and wages will be increased. The new contract will also formalize and reinforce practices and policies related to NYCB’s ongoing work on diversity, equity, and inclusion, which reflects the deep commitment that AGMA and NYCB share in upholding a workplace culture of safety, inclusion, and belonging.   Thank you to the negotiating committee and congratulations on this 3-year ... Read More -->

https://vimeo.com/751694367/e05f108f54 AGMA celebrates the many Hispanic, Latina, Latino, Latine, Latinx, and Spanish origin Artists who have dedicated their lives and careers to enriching the Performing Arts. We pay tribute to, and center, the past trailblazers and present trendsetting Artists who have positively strengthened our industry, and the future Artists who will leave their own influential marks as well. Visit hispanicheritagemonth.gov for more information on the history of this heritage month, which runs from September 15 – October 15. ... Read More -->

The new collective bargaining agreement between AGMA and Washington National Opera was approved by AGMA leadership, after being overwhelmingly ratified by the shop. Let’s celebrate some gains! There have been multiple additions and enhancements to the contract language that improve the working lives of all the Company’s Artists! Thank you to the negotiating committee and congratulations on this 3-year agreement! CONTRACT HIGHLIGHTS GENERAL COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: Wages snap back to final year of previous CBA (prior to pandemic concessions) plus increases in wages and per diem of +3%, +3%, +2%2-3 days paid bereavement leaveComprehensive new media provisions with new rates and increases over term PRINCIPAL ARTIST... Read More -->

The FIRST bargaining agreement between AGMA and Nevada Ballet Theatre was approved by AGMA leadership, after being overwhelmingly ratified by the shop. This is a very comprehensive first agreement containing impressive compensation and benefit gains, DEI, and safety language, all legal protections including "Pay or Play,” March 1 re-engagement offers and hiring protections regarding a future AD. Thank you to the negotiating committee and congratulations on this 3-year agreement! CONTRACT HIGHLIGHTS COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS Base compensation increases3% - 19.25% in the 1st year3% in years 2 & 3 with the addition of Seniority PayWork Policy provisions, including limiting the use of apprentices and students and compe... Read More -->

The American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) has released an Updated COVID-19 Guidance. This Updated Guidance is based on the AGMA Expert Medical Advisory Panel’s assessment of the latest CDC COVID recommendations published on August 11, 2022, and the continuing risks that COVID-19 poses for individuals who work in the performing arts. The CDC continues to rely upon the Community Risk Level Framework to help communities decide what prevention steps to take based on the latest data. As always, the goal of AGMA is the safety, health, and success of its artists and companies. Any proposed changes to existing safety protocols by AGMA Signatory Companies must be reviewed and discussed with your AGMA staff representative prior to implem... Read More -->

The new collective bargaining agreement between AGMA and Washington Concert Opera was approved by AGMA leadership, after being overwhelmingly ratified by the shop. There have been multiple additions and enhancements to the contract language, including improvements under compensation and benefits and new DEI, anti-harassment, and anti-discrimination language. Thank you to the negotiating committee and congratulations on this 2-year agreement! CONTRACT HIGHLIGHTS COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: Wage increases: 1% and 2%$25 transportation stipendExtra paid break time for nursing ArtistsMeal allowance for visiting Principal ArtistsIncrease in max hours for Production Staff from 38 to 50 hours for chorus shows, 30 hours for non-ch... Read More -->

The new bargaining agreement between AGMA and Kansas City Ballet was approved by AGMA leadership, after being overwhelmingly ratified by the shop. Thank you to the negotiating committee and congratulations on this 3-year agreement! CONTRACT HIGHLIGHTS COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: First year wage increases of 6% to 12%An additional 4% in each of the following two yearsIncreases in additional compensationIncreases in Seniority PayCompensation for social media takeoversFull Salary for Dancers who cannot work due to pregnancy4 weeks maternity/paternity leave at full pay and an additional 6 weeks maternity leave at 50% DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION: Increased DEI provisions, including:Affirmative language in the contract ... Read More -->