In June 2023, AGMA announced the Union's new President, Officers, and Governors. The award-winning Summer 2023 issue of AGMAzine featured interviews with President Ned Hanlon and Officers J. Austin Bitner, Brian August, Helena Brown, Antuan Byers, Eric Ferring, Andres Garcia, Katharine Goeldner, Cameo Humes, and Jennifer Wallace. Now, as part of our AGMAzine Spotlight Series, we will be featuring these union leaders every Wednesday. Today, we spotlight Brian August, AGMA's Staging Staff Vice President. “I first ran for the Board over two years ago because it was important to me that Staging Staff had someone representing them who was receptive to all issues and who would advocate for necessary change. Coming out of the... Read More -->

Ballet Faculty at The School of American Ballet (SAB) have taken a historic step by signing union cards to join the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA). This marks a groundbreaking moment for AGMA as it organizes dance educators for the first time. Expressing enthusiasm about this significant development, Griff Braun, AGMA’s National Organizing Director, stated, "This is a significant moment for both AGMA and the dance education community. I believe the unity and commitment shown by the SAB ballet faculty will pave the way for a new era in our union." Founded in 1934 by George Balanchine and Lincoln Kirstein, and affiliated with the New York City Ballet, the School of American Ballet is a renowned institution providing... Read More -->

Area Committee Elections: The self-nomination period starts on January 29. Area Committees are an essential part of AGMA. As you know, AGMA functions as a nationwide union, operating without a system of locals. Membership Areas serve as the framework for fostering connections among members across various locations. They also provide a pathway for extensive member involvement in our union. Simply put, strong Area Committees help us build power in our shops, at the bargaining table, and across the country. To self-nominate to be on your Area Committee, please complete the form that was emailed to Area Members in good standing on January 29 (members should receive this information around 1:00 p.m. ET). All forms are due by no ... Read More -->

The grace period for AGMA Members to submit their 2024 basic annual dues without late fees ends January 31. Invoices were sent on or around November 17. Members should submit their dues to remain an AGMA member in good standing and avoid future reinstatement fees! Members must remain in good standing to participate at all levels of the Union. This means staying up to date on all payments and installment plans. To engage in negotiations, vote on contracts, attend caucus or committee meetings, receive important emails, access MyAGMA, and vote, nominate, or run as a candidate in union elections, it is essential that members remain in good standing. TO SUBMIT DUES: Members currently in good standing may&nbs... Read More -->

On Monday, January 22, 2024, AGMA President Ned Hanlon, National Executive Director Sam Wheeler, National Organizing Director Griff Braun, and Director of Communications Alicia Cook delivered a State of the Union report to the AGMA Board of Governors at its monthly meeting.   It was recorded so the entire membership could be made aware of the many achievements of 2023, as well as learn more about what can be expected in 2024.  To access the members-only recording, log in to MyAGMA and choose "AGMA Webinars" from the MyAGMA dropdown menu.  ... Read More -->

In June 2023, AGMA announced the Union's new President, Officers, and Governors. The award-winning Summer 2023 issue of AGMAzine featured interviews with President Ned Hanlon and Officers J. Austin Bitner, Brian August, Helena Brown, Antuan Byers, Eric Ferring, Andres Garcia, Katharine Goeldner, Cameo Humes, and Jennifer Wallace. Now, as part of our AGMAzine Spotlight Series, we will be featuring these union leaders every Wednesday. Today, we spotlight Helena Brown, AGMA's Choristers, Actors, and Staff Performers Vice President. “I first ran for the Board two years ago to be a high vibe force for good while constantly being at the table and involved nationally. As your Officer, I will continue to favor action over perfecti... Read More -->

The AGMA Opera and Concert Choristers Caucus will host "Navigating Ageism and Vocal Health: A Real Talk on the Complexities of Auditioning and Career Longevity" on Monday, January 29, at 8:00 p.m. ET / 5:00 p.m. PT. Joining as guest speaker is Karen Brunssen, Professor of Music at the Bienen School of Music, Northwestern University.  Professor Brunssen teaches voice and is Co-Chair of Music Performance. She is a frequent teacher, clinician, and adjudicator for organizations, colleges, and universities throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe. Her book, The Evolving Singing Voice: Changes Across the Life Span, chronicles how changes in respiration, vibration and resonance impact realistic, age-appropriate expec... Read More -->

The Midwest Area will hold its annual membership meeting virtually – over Zoom – on Sunday, January 28, at 7:00 p.m. CT. Members of the Area were sent a reminder email today with information and a link to register. Area meetings are an opportunity for AGMA members to come together with other local members to meet, connect, and discuss common issues. ... Read More -->

The American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) is pleased to announce that the dancers of Ballet Austin have won their union! 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, Ballet Austin management will recognize AGMA as the exclusive bargaining representative of the Artists. "Congratulations to the dancers of Ballet Austin on their incredible NLRB election win," said Sam Wheeler, AGMA's National Executive Director. "You're AGMA Artists now! This victory not only strengthens your shop but also amplifies the collective power of all AGMA dancers. You're now a part of something bigger than yourselves. Here's ... Read More -->

The new collective bargaining agreement between AGMA and Santa Fe Opera was approved by AGMA leadership on December 11, 2023, after being overwhelmingly ratified by the shop. Thank you to the negotiating committee, and congratulations on this 4-year agreement! CONTRACT HIGHLIGHTS COMPENSATION AND OTHER BENEFITS: Compensation/per diem increases:3% for first year**2% for Production Staff, who requested to redistribute their increase to bring the base pay up for newly covered Production Assistants3% in the second year3% in the third year​ 3.25% in fourth year 35% upfront payments for per performance Principal Artists upon arrival ​ Increase to contributions in lieu of health care of 3% in each year ... Read More -->