The federal government has unveiled COVIDtests.gov. U.S. residents can order a maximum of four FREE COVID-19 tests that will ship directly to them via this site. Tests will usually ship in 7-12 days. While individuals should be able to place their orders today, according to the White House, this website is still in a “beta phase” and will formally roll out tomorrow. While a very helpful resource, AGMA members should continue to follow protocols at AGMA companies as these free rapid tests shouldn’t be considered a substitute for any testing being conducted by your employer. The fundamental safety protocols of the AGMA/SDC Return to Stage and Performing Arts Playbook should continue to be reviewed and considered.   ... Read More -->

The latest presentation hosted by the AGMA Opera and Concert Choristers Caucus is available for viewing! On January, 10, the OCCC welcomed back multidisciplinary clinicians from the NYU Langone Voice Center, Dr. Paul Kwak (laryngologist) and Dr. Aaron Johnson (speech-language pathologist), for another discussion on vocal health. To access the recording, members must log into MyAGMA and visit the “AGMA Webinars” main page. From there, members can select “AGMA Caucus Webinars.” Happy viewing! ... Read More -->

The AGMA Black Caucus is excited to host “Black Dancers Across Generations: A Panel Discussion” on Wednesday, January 26, at 7:00 p.m. ET. Lauren Anderson, former Principal Dancer with Houston Ballet, and Ashton Edwards, Apprentice with Pacific Northwest Ballet, are joining as special guest panelists! More panelists may be announced before the event. Join the AGMA Black Caucus for a panel discussion with these professional Black dancers as they talk openly about their careers and how the pandemic has affected their artistry. There will be time for a Q&A! All Black AGMA Artists in good standing are encouraged to attend this special event. Register here. The Zoom details will be sent in the days leading up to Janu... Read More -->

This reminder was emailed to members on January 11, 2022. While 2022 is off to an undeniably uncertain start, we were happy to bid adieu to 2021 and move our focus and energy into 2022. AGMA remains optimistic that better days lie ahead. Our main goal continues to be the safety and success of AGMA Artists and our signatory companies. Thank you for your continued strength and resilience as we journey deeper into the new year and continue to work through these challenging times together. We wish you and your loved ones a year filled with peace, joy, and good health. We write today to remind you that the 2022 basic annual dues deadline is approaching. This is a follow-up message to the one sent to all AGMA members on December 14. An inv... Read More -->

The AGMA Staging Staff Caucus will meet on Monday, January 24 at 9:00 p.m. ET/600 p.m. PT. The first meeting of 2022 will serve as a mental and emotional checkpoint. A number of topics will be covered in this safe space, including current interests, exciting new projects, and the difficult obstacles of the last two years, as well as the challenges and opportunities that will be found in the days ahead. The Caucus will raise the following discussion questions: What is the state of the staging staff at the start of 2022?How can we help each other and our colleagues?What should we talk about next? Please register here. ALL AGMA staging staff in good standing are encouraged to attend! The Zoom details in the days leading u... Read More -->

1/6/2022 - This update was also emailed to AGMA members and signatory companies today. Open Update Today, AGMA shares an update to the emergency guidance that we issued on December 21, 2021. ICYMI: AGMA issued an Emergency Guidance on Omicron Surge to help AGMA Artists and companies continue live performances – especially holiday performances. We know this was a challenging time for many of you and that breakthrough infections occurred. Many AGMA companies, however, were able to complete their holiday productions with these extra safeguards in place.  We write now to update and reinforce the AGMA Expert Medical Advisory Board’s recommendations. We encourage AGMA Artists and companies to adhere to these guidelines... Read More -->

The Opera and Concert Choristers Caucus (OCCC) is excited to welcome back two industry professionals for another discussion on vocal health on Monday, January 10 at 6:30 p.m. ET. Like the special presentation in October, all AGMA Singers are invited to attend! Join the multidisciplinary clinicians from the NYU Langone Voice Center, Dr. Paul Kwak (laryngologist) and Dr. Aaron Johnson (speech-language pathologist), as they discuss a number of topics including strategies for healthy marking, issues relating to the larynx across various stages of life, and how sleep deprivation affects the voice. There will be plenty of time for Q&A. Please register for this exciting evening here. Zoom details w... Read More -->

Happy New Year! AGMA’s last newsletter of 2021 was delivered to AGMA members in good standing on December 23. Members should check their spam and/or promotions/other folders. It covered a number of topics, including 2022 basic annual dues, the conclusion of Area Committee Elections and Referendum, our Omicron Guidance, the December Board Meeting, and more. As always, members can review ALL of AGMA’s past newsletters by visiting the newsletter archive behind the portal. ... Read More -->

As we continue to live through this challenging time, it is hard to believe another new year is just around the bend. In observance of the upcoming holidays, the AGMA National Office will close at 1:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, December 23, and reopen Monday, January 3, 2022. For assistance, please contact your AGMA Staff Representative. AGMA, alongside our expert medical advisory board, is prepared to continuously monitor the state of the pandemic and will remain vigilant in ensuring safe workplaces for all AGMA Artists. While the last (nearly) two years have been incredibly challenging both physically and emotionally for many of us, we hold tight to our hope for the return of better, safer, and healthier days. Happy new year to all.... Read More -->

This guidance was emailed to AGMA companies and AGMA members today. This Emergency Guidance addresses the recent, dramatic surge in COVID-19 cases in many AGMA companies resulting from the Omicron variant. These guidelines are especially important for companies currently in the midst of holiday performances, such as The Nutcracker and other holiday concerts. While much about the Omicron variant remains unknown, AGMA’s Expert Medical Advisory Board anticipates a rapid increase in positive cases over the next few weeks. To continue performing, the Medical Advisory Board recommends that companies and Artists take the following steps found in this guidance. Open Guidance As always, AGMA’s goal is the safety and succes... Read More -->