Inside the Chorus: The Human Impact of San Francisco Symphony Budget Cuts Singer Troy Turriate’s Struggle Against Losing His Livelihood and Community By Troy Turriate For five years now, I’ve been a dedicated member of the San Francisco Symphony Chorus, contributing my time and talent first as an unpaid singer and, more recently, with the promise of a union contract. Now, the Symphony's proposal to dramatically cut our budget has thrown my future—and that of my fellow choristers—into uncertainty. As we discussed in our very first open letter, beyond the immediate impact on our livelihoods, these budget cuts threaten to unravel a vital part of the Bay Area’s cultural nervous system as well. The chorus, composed... Read More -->

The new collective bargaining agreement between AGMA and the Chicago Symphony​ Chorus was approved by AGMA leadership on September 23, 2024, after being ratified by the shop. A joint release between AGMA and the Symphony was shared on October 9. Thank you to the negotiating committee and congratulations on this 4-year agreement! CONTRACT HIGHLIGHTS: Increase all amounts paid to or on behalf of AGMA Artists by 3% each year​ Associates now receive Premium Pay for Mandatory Rehearsals (previously only paid to Regular Choristers) Increase to the AGMA Delegate compensation to the same as a Section Leader Add Martin Luther King Jr. Day to the list of Holidays for which work is not permitted Add Juneteenth to the list of Other Holiday... Read More -->

I am proud to be AGMA’s Staging Staff Vice President, but I am even more proud to be a stage manager. Today is International Stage Management Day, and today is a reminder of the vital role we play in our industry and the power we hold when we stand together. Stage management is more than just calling cues and keeping things on track; it’s about being the backbone of productions, ensuring the safety, creativity, and integrity of every rehearsal and performance. Being a leader in AGMA and a part of a union, in general, has reinforced the importance of solidarity and advocacy in our profession.  It’s through collective strength that we are able to safeguard fair working conditions, protect our rights, and support each other in a... Read More -->

AGMA stands in solidarity with the AFM artists of the Atlanta Opera Orchestra as they fight for a fair contract. The Atlanta Opera administration has consistently demonstrated an anti-worker stance, shown through substandard compensation and a refusal to respect their employees' rights. Their track record speaks volumes—from ignoring the hair and makeup workers’ vote to unionize to their current exploitative treatment of the orchestra. Now, they’ve said the quiet part out loud. Recently published remarks from management openly boast about playing hardball with unions while willfully failing to recognize that, in the performing arts, to be anti-union is to be anti-artist. The artists and artisans of the Atlanta Opera are the co... Read More -->

AMERICAN GUILD OF MUSICAL ARTISTS AND CHICAGO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA ASSOCIATION REACH AGREEMENT ON NEW FOUR-YEAR CONTRACT FOR CHICAGO SYMPHONY CHORUS CHICAGO [10/9/2024] — The members of the Chicago Symphony Chorus (CSC), union members of the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA), and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association (CSOA) have reached an agreement on a new four-year contract. The musicians of the CSC, the AGMA Board of Governors and the Board of Trustees of the CSOA have voted to ratify the agreement, which is effective from September 2024 through September 2028. The four-year agreement includes improvements in working conditions for both parties and a wage increase of 3% per year for each year of the contract. ... Read More -->

The new collective bargaining agreement between AGMA and Chautauqua Opera was approved by AGMA leadership on September 23, 2024, after being ratified by the shop. Thank you to the negotiating committee and congratulations on this 4-year agreement! CONTRACT HIGHLIGHTS: 2% cost of living adjustments for most working categories each year for four years​ Substantial increase of weekly base for Apprentice Artists A six-week guarantee for Apprentice Artists and one Production Stage Manager (currently, there are no weeks guaranteed in the contract) Restructuring of retirement from a flat fee per performance to 6% of gross compensation, to create a more equitable contribution structure for All Artists Up-front payments for Principal Arti... Read More -->

The new collective bargaining agreement between AGMA and Washington Concert Opera was approved by AGMA leadership on September 23, 2024, after being ratified by the shop. Thank you to the negotiating committee and congratulations on this 3-year agreement! CONTRACT HIGHLIGHTS: Annual wage scale increases of 4%, 3%, 3% unless otherwise indicated Increases of approximately 2%-13% for Stage Manager/ASM “per production” rates in the first year, with the 13% being for the most used rate Approximately 8.8% increase for the SM/ASM hourly rate in the first year for hours beyond "per production" hours limit G1 Chorister rehearsal rate set at $7.50 below G2 rate - approximately 17% increase in the first year G1 Chorister performance rat... Read More -->

AGMA has become aware of a letter dated September 30 sent by DBDT leadership to community partners in what appears to be an attempt to save face ahead of the new season. While most of the letter is not worth our energy, AGMA feels it necessary to address a few specific falsehoods presented by Executive Director Zenetta Drew. Two things here. 1) “Unfounded”? We have paper trails and receipts. The facts are clear, and dismissing them doesn’t make them any less true. 2) It's interesting that DBDT claims they never denied COBRA coverage. On September 3, Stephanie Hawthorne of DBDT explicitly informed fired dancer Derick McKoy via email that he would be denied COBRA coverage. Following this, AGMA Counsel Martha Kinsella... Read More -->

AGMA proudly announces that President Ned Hanlon has been named to City & State's 2024 Arts & Culture Power 100 list. According to the website, "City & State’s inaugural Arts & Culture Power 100 highlights these leaders in New York, based less on the caliber of collections and exhibits or sellout shows and more on the interplay with local and state government, policy advocacy as well as civic and community engagement." President Hanlon came in at number 87 and appears to be the only labor leader on this list. Reflecting on the honor, President Hanlon stated on social media, "This is a testament to the work that AGMA Artists have done to ensure that our voices are heard both in the workplace and throughout the perform... Read More -->

Numerous states have been tragically affected by Hurricanes Milton and Helene. Below, you will find essential resources, including emergency services, shelters, financial assistance, and ways to help in recovery efforts across impacted states. Emergency Hotlines If you are in immediate danger, please call 911. For non-emergency assistance, use the following hotlines: FEMA Helpline: 1-800-621-3362 Red Cross Disaster Services: 1-800-733-2767 National Guard Assistance: Contact your state's National Guard for updates on military support. Shelter Locations (keep scrolling for more location-specific resources) Shelters are open for those displaced. You can locate your nearest shelter through: Red Cross Shelt... Read More -->