New York, NY (January 30, 2018) – American Ballet Theatre (ABT), the internationally acclaimed ballet company based in New York City, concluded an overall tentative agreement with the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA), the national union representing about 90 dancers and stage managers at the Company. The new three-year agreement, subject to approval by the AGMA Board of Governors, includes annual wage increases and an increase in retirement contributions for the artists, among other modifications. The chief negotiator for AGMA was its New York Area Dance Executive, Griff Braun. “We are very pleased to successfully conclude these negotiations and I know that these dedicated Artists are now looking forward to embarking on ... Read More -->
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American Ballet Theatre Artists Vote to Authorize Strike
New York, NY (January 19, 2018) – The Artists of American Ballet Theatre (ABT), the internationally renowned ballet company, overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike shortly after midnight on Wednesday. Eighty (80) Dancers and Stage Managers, represented by the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA), took the vote as negotiations stalled. The Artists have been bargaining with ABT management since late April of 2017 for a new three-year agreement. Among other issues, the group is seeking to improve retirement contributions which were completely eliminated for one year, then cut in half - from 7.5% to 3.75% - during the recessionary period beginning in 2008. Artists are now seeking modest increases in the contribution rate to... Read More -->
AGMA Opposes New Tax Bill
AGMA is opposed to the tax bill currently before Congress. The tax revisions, if approved, will negatively affect a large majority of our membership in the form of higher taxes. This tax bill will eliminate the deduction of ordinary and necessary unreimbursed business expenses, which means many members will no longer be able to deduct expenses such as management fees, travel, voice lessons, or your union dues. We are asking you to act fast and let Congress know how this bill will hurt you and your colleagues (the vote is imminent so act now). For more information see this article in the The Hollywood Reporter which stated that an analysis of the bill "showed that the middle-class is expected to suffer hefty increases under the new... Read More -->
AGMA’s Statement on Allegations Against James Levine, Metropolitan Opera Music Director Emeritus
We are appalled by the recent reports of sexual abuse allegations against James Levine, the Metropolitan Opera’s Music Director Emeritus. Last night, the Metropolitan Opera (“Met”) suspended Mr. Levine pending an immediate, internal investigation. We support the Met’s recent actions. As the union representing choristers, soloists, stage managers, directors, dancers, choreographers and staff performers, we seek to protect our members from all forms of harassment and discrimination. The Met has a legal duty to provide a safe workplace and take all reasonable steps to prevent harassment. This duty includes conducting prompt and diligent investigations in response to credible complaints of misconduct with appropriate actions wh... Read More -->
Best Time to Join AGMA is Now
We are the labor union that represents the men and women who create America’s operatic, choral and dance heritage. Because performing artists live to perform, they are vulnerable to employer exploitation, unfair and unsafe conditions, and illegal discrimination. They can find the protection they need by joining AGMA – the American Guild of Musical Artists. Without forceful advocacy of their interests, artists can be subjected to abuse, low pay, poor working conditions, inadequate benefits, and no job security. Join AGMA Now - Initiation fees increase as of January 1, 2018 (from $500 to $1000). Membership in the American Guild of Musical Artists has countless benefits and advantages. Not only does it provide you with access... Read More -->
Message from Deborah Allton-Maher, Associate Executive Director
Dear AGMA Members: Considering the recent exposure in the press of the illegal and insidious harassment by those who occupy positions of power against those who are most vulnerable, I feel compelled to reach out personally to all of our members with reassurance and support and to urge anyone who has experienced this trauma to utilize the reporting method that AGMA has provided. All you need to do is to call me or email me to report any behavior that has made you uncomfortable, fearful or if you feel threatened in any way. All reports are kept strictly in confidence, no names are used. If we receive multiple reports against an individual we notify the employer(s) of the offending person to either conduct an investigation, or to take pr... Read More -->
Oregon Ballet Theatre Artists Vote to Join AGMA
Portland, OR (September 19, 2017) The American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) was officially recognized as the union representing the dancers and stage managers of the Oregon Ballet Theatre. This recognition comes after a majority of these artists signed a petition requesting AGMA to represent them. The Oregon Ballet Theatre (OBT) agreed to a voluntary procedure to confirm majority support which was completed last week. “We are privileged to represent the interests of all the wonderful dancers and staging staff at OBT. AGMA welcomes this group to our family of professional artists who strive each day to reach artistic heights and their professional goals. Oregon Ballet Theatre, as the largest ballet company in the state, deser... Read More -->
New Issue of AGMAzine
The new issue of AGMAzine is out now! Visit our AGMAZine Archives to read the latest news about funding for the arts, organizing, the AGMA Relief Fund and other new initiatives, or to view past issues: https://www.musicalartists.org/membership/agmazine-archives/ [caption id="attachment_4256" align="aligncenter" width="219"] The newest AGMAzine issue, "Our Art Will Go On"[/caption] ... Read More -->
Employers and Entertainment Unions Urge Full Funding for the NEA, NEH, and CPB
A diverse group of employers—ranging from the Motion Picture Association of America to the Tulsa Ballet—united with unions representing professionals from across the arts and entertainment industry to support continued full funding of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) in Fiscal Year 2018. The unions, affiliates of the Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE), represent actors, musicians, dancers, stagehands, and many other entertainment professionals. In a letter sent to Congress today, the union-employer coalition urged members to maintain current funding levels for the NEA, NEH, and the CPB in next year’s budget... Read More -->
Sacramento Ballet Artists Vote to Join AGMA
The Sacramento Ballet Artists Voted 23-1 in favor of Joining the American Guild of Musical Artists. Sacramento, CA (April 24, 2017) – The Dancers, Stage Managers and Apprentices who comprise the Artists of Sacramento Ballet voted overwhelmingly to be represented by the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA), the national labor union that represents dancers, singers, and stage production staff in dance and opera companies throughout the US. The election, conducted on Friday by the National Labor Relations Board, resulted in a vote of 23-1 in favor of AGMA. This marks the second Ballet company in only the past two months to elect to join the ranks of companies represented by AGMA. Just last month, the Artists of Sarasota Ballet... Read More -->