Attention AGMA Artists who live and/OR work in New York! The Workers' Compensation Board is offering a new webinar series. Each one-hour session will provide information on workers' rights when it comes to filing a workers' compensation claim. Registration is not required and you can learn more at http://www.wcb.ny.gov/webinars/ ... Read More -->

The Staging Staff Caucus invites all AGMA Staging Staff members to a special presentation on fight direction and intimacy direction on Monday, February 21, at 9:00 p.m. ET. Panelists are Doug Scholz-Carlson, artistic director, fight choreographer, actor, and certified intimacy director, and Michelle Ladd, action director, fight choreographer, and performer of stunts, staged combat, dance, and acting. The presentation will focus on best practices for a safe rehearsal environment. Please submit questions in advance by emailing stagingstaffcaucus@musicalartists.org. Register for this exciting panel here. ABOUT THE PANELISTS Michelle Ladd has been working as a professional action director, fight choreographer, and performer... Read More -->

From the onset of this life-changing pandemic, the economic security, health, and safety of AGMA members have been top of mind. Since June of 2020, AGMA and SDC have engaged the services of an expert medical advisory panel to assist with COVID-19 safety planning and ensure that both of the Unions' members are protected in the workplace. This successful collaboration led to the publication of the acclaimed AGMA/SDC Return Stage and Performing Arts Playbook (now in its fourth revision) and a number of Updates and Guidances. The Playbook was initially intended as an internal tool for AGMA, SDC, and our signatory companies, but the Unions made it widely available to the industry at large in August of 2020, stating that “we are all in t... Read More -->

Interview conducted by AGMA’s Director of Communications Alicia Cook. Published on page 16 of the Fall 2021 issue of AGMAzine. Following an “intermission” that went on for what seemed like an eternity, opening night of the 2021–22 Met season optimistically arrived. Coming back from the shutdown notwithstanding, opening night was a historic occasion—it marked The Met's first performance of an opera by a Black composer and Black director. The Met reopened its curtains with Terence Blanchard’s Fire Shut Up in My Bones. “Fire,” for short. AGMA members Kenneth Floyd, Chorister, and Jōvan Dansberry, Dancer, were both featured in the production. “I have long admired and followed Mr. Blanchard’s career via his fil... Read More -->

Workers at the Center for American Progress are considering going on strike amid a fight over salaries. AGMA stands with the workers in their effort to secure fair wages. Learn more. ... Read More -->

Tracy Jones has been promoted to Western Executive, following the retirement of AGMA’s Western Counsel Hope Singer. This went into effect on February 1. "I am honored to be taking this exciting next step in my career with AGMA. It has been a privilege to support the incredible members of this union over the past several years in my role as Western Business Representative,” said Tracy Jones. “As I transition into my new role as Western Executive, I look forward to advocating on behalf of all AGMA Artists and hope to amplify their voices as we continue to pursue better pay, benefits and healthy and safe work environments for all." Jones joined AGMA as a member in 2013. For the eight seasons she performed with Colorado Ballet,... Read More -->

AGMA is pleased to share our Contract Summaries for AGMA Opera Soloists (Principal Artists) webpage! These contract “reference sheets” give basic information about collectively bargained provisions applicable to AGMA Opera Soloists (Principal Artists) at AGMA signatory Opera companies. These reference sheets were created to ensure that AGMA Opera Soloists have quick access to the basic terms and conditions of employment as they travel from company to company. To access the page, members must first log into their MyAGMA account. From there, visit the Contracts & Agreements page and select the fourth blue box entitled “Contract Summaries for AGMA Opera Soloists (Principal Artists).” We cannot link directly to the page, sin... Read More -->

After over 40 years of practicing both public sector and private sector union-side labor law, Hope J. Singer has retired. Singer joined AGMA in 2018 as its Western Counsel. “Leaving AGMA is bittersweet for me,” said Singer. “I have truly enjoyed my time here, largely due to the wonderful team and the amazing members.” Hope brought a wealth of experience to her role as Western Counsel, ensuring that AGMA continued to forcefully advocate on behalf of AGMA Artists in opera, dance, and choral fields. She negotiated and administered collective bargaining agreements at a number of AGMA signatory companies including San Diego Opera, Ballet West, Los Angeles Master Chorale, Seattle Opera, Arizona Opera, and Santa Fe Opera. "Ho... Read More -->

AGMA is hiring! We are seeking a committed labor professional for the position of Eastern Counsel.  The Eastern Counsel, reporting to the National Executive Director, will function as lead negotiator and administrator for multiple collective bargaining agreements with opera, dance, and concert signatory companies in the Eastern region. The Eastern Counsel will work closely with leadership and senior staff to provide direct member services, enforce AGMA contracts and ensure safe working conditions, support organizing campaigns and other national initiatives, and provide legal and strategic counsel to the National Executive Director, elected leadership, standing committees, and caucuses. For the full job description and qualif... Read More -->

A version of this was shared with the AGMA Board of Governors on Thursday, January 27. Today marks my first day as AGMA’s new National Executive Director. I want to start by giving thanks. I have been working at AGMA for a little more than two and a half years as Eastern Counsel. I can say without hesitation that it is an honor and a privilege to represent AGMA’s membership every day. It is a blessing to wake up each morning and know that no matter the challenges of a given day, I get to spend my time fighting for workers and for the truly exceptional artists who make up AGMA. I want to thank AGMA’s members, the Board of Governors, and the Executive Council for all of the work that they do to make this an amazing union. ... Read More -->