New webinar alert! We are happy to share that the "Organizing 101" presentation hosted by the Opera & Concert Chorister Caucus is available for viewing! On March 2, AGMA's National Organizing Director Griff Braun joined the OCCC as special guest speaker. The presentation focused on the opportunities and the challenges of organizing choruses, choirs, and opera companies. 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 -->

AGMA is happy to announce that we have expanded our bargaining unit at the Metropolitan Opera! Starting in the 2022-2023 season, Stage Manager Fellows and Stage Director Fellows will be a part of our AGMA family at the Metropolitan Opera. Applications are currently being accepted, with a deadline of March 15. Developed by AGMA members Paula Suozzi and Theresa Ganley, and facilitated by AGMA President Ray Menard, these fellowship programs provide supervised, hands-on experience to early-career stage managers and directors. The fellowships, sponsored by Bank of America, were designed and conceived by AGMA Artists to provide tangible opportunities for individuals who come from backgrounds often underrepresented in the opera industry. E... Read More -->

This year's Women's History Month theme is "Women Providing Healing, Promoting Hope." To celebrate Women's History Month, AGMA will be highlighting Artists and Organizations (past, present, and future) on our Facebook and Instagram stories that provide both healing and hope. We'll create a story highlight on Instagram so they can be revisited beyond the 24 hour mark. Every Monday of the month, we will publish a new AGMAzine Spotlight that features the amazing women of AGMA! ... Read More -->

AGMA’s February 2022 newsletter was delivered to AGMA members in good standing on February 23. (Check spam or promotions/other tab!) It covered a number of topics including AGMA staff updates, grants that might interest members, Black History Month, and a recap of the February Board of Governors meeting. Upcoming AGMA Caucus meeting dates and a reminder to check out the new Contract Summaries for AGMA Opera Soloists webpage were also included in the robust communication. As always, members can review ALL of AGMA’s past newsletters by visiting the newsletter archive behind the MyAGMA portal. ... Read More -->

Action alert! The House votes TODAY on the CROWN Act, legislation that will help end race-based hair discrimination, a pillar of our shared Policy Agenda for Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Arts, Entertainment, and Media Industries. Call your U.S. Representative and urge a YES vote on this important policy that will help make our industry more inclusive.  ... Read More -->

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 -->