The new collective bargaining agreement between AGMA and Lyric Opera of Kansas City 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 GENERAL COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: 3% in each of the three years of the agreementNew language to memorialize when Artists engaged on a weekly basis and Artists who are engaged on an hourly rehearsal/per performance basis are paidAdded Direct Deposit as a method of payment PRINCIPAL ARTISTS: Principal Artists engaged on a per performance basis will be paid no less than 25% of their contractual fee when they arrive for rehearsals, with the remaining 75% ... Read More -->

AREA MEETING REMINDER! The New England Area will hold its annual membership meeting virtually on Monday, November 28, at 6:00 p.m. ET. Today, members of the Area will be sent a REMINDER email around 1:00 p.m. ET with more information and a link to register. Those who registered prior to receiving the reminder, do not need to do so again. ... Read More -->

The following communication from President Ray Menard was emailed to AGMA members in good standing on November 11, 2022. 2023 is right around the corner and with the arrival of a new year comes the time to remit our 2023 AGMA Basic Annual Dues. This week AGMA members will be receiving 2023 Basic Dues Statements. This upcoming year is also an ELECTION YEAR for AGMA! In May 2023, AGMA members will elect National Officers and Governors to represent them on AGMA’s Board of Governors. In order to participate at all levels of the Union, members must retain good standing status (up to date on all payments/installment plans). This means in order to vote, nominate, or run as a candidate in union elections, engage in ... Read More -->

The American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) and the Soloist Collective for Emerging Artists (SCEA) will co-present “An Intro to AGMA and Organizing for Emerging and Young Artists in Opera” on Tuesday, November 15 at 7:00 p.m. ET. Designed for both AGMA members and non-AGMA Artists, this virtual presentation and discussion will cover fundamental information about AGMA as well as the basics of union organizing and the obstacles and opportunities within Emerging and Young Artist programs. Emerging and/or Young Artists in opera are encouraged to join in the conversation! Register here. And please feel free to forward this e-vite to any of your emerging/Young Artist colleagues who you think might be ... Read More -->

AREA MEETING REMINDER! The Pennsylvania Area will hold its annual membership meeting virtually on Tuesday, November 15, at 7:00 p.m. ET. Today, members of the Area will be sent a REMINDER email around 2:00 p.m. ET with more information and a link to register. Those who registered prior to receiving the reminder, do not need to do so again. ... Read More -->

On November 8, Illinois voters across the state can stand up in support of the Workers' Rights Amendment. Vote YES! According to workersrights.com, the proposed amendment would add a new section to the Bill of Rights Article of the Illinois Constitution that would guarantee workers the fundamental right to form a union, bargain collectively and negotiate wages, hours, and working conditions, and promote their economic welfare and safety at work. AGMA Artists – and all workers – deserve safe, equitable, and protected workplaces! For a more comprehensive explanation of the Workers’ Rights Amendment, please visit https://workersrights.com/. ... Read More -->

The Liberal Education for Arts Professionals (LEAP) Program provides professional dancers and other performing artists a unique path to access higher education – an opportunity to earn college credit for their dance experience. Founded in 1999, The LEAP Program is specifically designed to deliver a comprehensive liberal arts education to professional dancers and performing artists from around the country, with the goal of completing a Bachelor’s Degree in Performing Arts from Saint Mary's College of California through part-time study. Now a completely online program, they will be hosting a “Sneak Peek” on Sunday, November 6 to give interested dancers an opportunity to see what classes are like. There are two classes happe... Read More -->

AREA MEETING REMINDER! The Southern California Area will hold its annual membership meeting virtually on Wednesday, November 16, at 7:00 p.m. PT. Today, members of the Area will be sent a REMINDER email around 10:00 a.m. PT with more information and a link to register. Those who registered prior to receiving the reminder, do not need to do so again. ... Read More -->

AGMA Members experiencing work or personal stress, anxiety, depression, or difficult life transitions are not alone and should not suffer in silence. Caring clinicians at the Entertainment Community Fund are here to help and will protect your privacy. The Fund’s Mental Health resource center offers assessments to help determine your mental health needs, short-term supportive counseling, referrals, support groups, and education and information on understanding mental health insurance coverage and community resources. Visit https://entertainmentcommunity.org/services-and-programs/mental-health. Have you heard of the 988 Lifeline? If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or ... Read More -->

AREA MEETING REMINDER! The Northwest Area will hold its annual membership meeting virtually on Tuesday, November 15, at 6:00 p.m. PT. Today, members of the Area will be sent a REMINDER email around 10:00 a.m. PT with more information and a link to register. Those who registered prior to receiving the reminder, do not need to do so again. ... Read More -->