This article was originally written by Director of Communications Alicia Cook and published in the Winter 2021 issue of AGMAzine, on March 2, 2021. It is now featured as part of the “AGMAzineSpotlight” series. Dancer Antuan Byers has since been elected to the AGMA Board of Governors and is a member of the AGMA Black Caucus. A 2022 update on Black Dance Change Makers can be found at the bottom of this article. We all know the phrase “you wear your heart on your sleeve.” Well, the minute Antuan Byers begins speaking, you not only can see his heart, but you can also see his passion and purpose. You can practically feel his desire to make the world a more equal and just place, as though his energy is so powerful that it is made ... Read More -->

AGMA stands in solidarity with hair and makeup artists at Atlanta Opera. Last year, the 100% Black hair and makeup crew voted to unionize with IATSE Local 798. Their votes still haven't been counted. Instead of respecting the decisions of these workers, Atlanta Opera challenged their employment status, and the ballots remain "impounded" while the NLRB considers if these workers are “employees” or "independent contractors." These Artists see the benefits of collective, organized power all around them at Atlanta Opera. The musicians (AFM), stagehands and costume/wardrobe workers (IATSE) all work under a union contract. Workers who want to come together and organize a union should be able to, with dignity and without fear of ... Read More -->

REMINDER! The next Dancers Caucus Meeting is on Tuesday, March 1, at 8:00 p.m. ET. The topic for discussion will be "Moving Forward in 2022." All AGMA Dancers in good standing may register HERE for the meeting. The Zoom details will be sent in the days leading up to the meeting. Please email dancerscaucus@musicalartists.org with any questions. ... Read More -->

AGMA stands in heartbroken solidarity with our family, friends, and colleagues, and all those impacted by the violence in Ukraine.  As a union, AGMA is founded on the principles of democracy, freedom, and hope. We believe in using collective power for good. We believe most people want to leave the world better than they found it. We believe that beauty, art, and fellowship will prevail, even when confronted with calculated and ruthless destruction. In the face of tragedy and injustice, we turn to that which our members have devoted their creative lives: art that helps us understand all facets of what it means to be human, including days like today. As many AGMA members have sung on stages across the world:  "What shall I... Read More -->

The latest panel on fight and intimacy direction hosted by the AGMA Staging Staff Caucus is available for viewing! On February 21, the Caucus welcomed panelists 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 discussion focused on best practices for a safe rehearsal environment. To access the recording, members must log in to MyAGMA and visit the “AGMA Webinars” main page, accessed from the MyAGMA dropdown menu or the Document Library. From there, members can select “AGMA Caucus Webinars.” Happy viewing! ... Read More -->

This is a reminder that the Opera & Concert Choristers Caucus will host a presentation on ORGANIZING on Wednesday, March 2, at 6:30 p.m. ET. All AGMA Singers are invited! Joining the OCCC as special guest speaker is Griff Braun, AGMA's National Organizing Director. In the meeting, we will focus on the opportunities and the challenges of organizing choruses, choirs, and opera companies, with a presentation from Griff and a discussion period.  Please register for this exciting presentation here. If you have already registered, you do not need to do so again. You will receive the Zoom details in the days leading up to the event. Griff Braun joined AGMA’s professional staff as a Negotiator in 2014 and was ... Read More -->

Anna Peabody (she/her) joined AGMA’s Professional Staff as Western Business Representative on February 14, 2022. Originally from Pasadena, Maryland, Peabody connected with the Arts early on, starting dance classes at age three. She spent her high school years at the Baltimore School for the Arts in Maryland and her summers studying at the Boston Ballet and Chautauqua Institution. Following high school, Peabody began studying ballet at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Ballet with an Outside Field in Elementary Education.  Prior to graduating, she began working with BalletX in Philadelphia, PA, where she performed nationally including at The Joyce Theater in New York and t... Read More -->

In summer 2021, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis (OTSL), in partnership with the Missouri Historical Society, held a city-wide celebration commemorating Juneteenth with I Dream a World. The outdoor production, curated by soprano Nicole Cabell and baritone Will Liverman, beautifully blended music, song, and spoken word and received rave reviews. This event was presented free to the public and then streamed at no cost between September 3 – 30, 2021. AGMA’s Director of Communications Alicia Cook had the great opportunity to speak with Nicole Cabell about the whole experience. This interview was originally published in the Fall 2021 Issue of AGMAzine on page 35. -- Alicia Cook (AC): Thanks so much for taking the time out of your ... Read More -->

This is a reminder that the AGMA Staging Staff Caucus will host a special presentation on fight direction and intimacy direction on Monday, February 21, at 9:00 p.m. ET. Joining the event are guest speakers 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. ALL AGMA staging staff in good standing are encouraged to attend and should register here! Those who have already registered do not need to do so again. The Zoom details will be sent in the days leading up to the panel. Submi... Read More -->

From The Actors Fund: Career Transition For Dancers supports the education of dancers transitioning to new careers. Named for former dancer, dance advocate, and President of Career Transition For Dancers Alex Dubé, the Alex Dubé Scholarship Program supports the education of dancers to build their next professional platforms. Through the Alex Dubé Scholarship Program, eligible dancers enrolled in accredited degree programs can receive up to $10,000 to assist with tuition payment as they take the next step forward in their careers. Applications will be accepted from March 1 through April 15. For more information please visit: https://actorsfund.org/alex-dube-graduate-studies-scholarship ... Read More -->