AGMA and Houston Ballet have reached a new four-year agreement that delivers strong wage increases, introduces new vacation pay and parental leave benefits, and strengthens protections for both Dancers and Stage Managers. The agreement also includes meaningful improvements to scheduling, workplace safety, and professional recognition. This agreement was approved by AGMA members and ratified by AGMA’s Board of Governors on July 13, 2026.
Thank you to the negotiating committee and congratulations to the dancers and stage managers!
CONTRACT HIGHLIGHTS
Economics
Wage increases for Dancers:
- Year 1: 4%
- Year 2: 4%
- Year 3: 3.5%
- Year 4: 3.5%
Wage increases for Stage Managers:
- Year 1: 12%
- Year 2: 4%
- Year 3: 3.5%
- Year 4: 3.5%
New Vacation and Parental Leave Benefits
- New vacation pay begins in Year 2
- Year 2: 1.5% of annual compensation
- Year 3: 2%
- Year 4: 4%
- Paid in two lump sums each year
- New parental leave benefit
- Birthing parents receive salary support for up to four months following delivery
- Health Fund contributions continue throughout parental leave
- Additional unpaid medical leave available when needed
- Non-birthing parents may use up to 10 days of sick leave
Dancer Gains
- Performance call-in expanded to all senior Dancers with 10 or more years of service, regardless of rank
- Established $50 per performance fee for artists doing more than four roles per performance in more than 25% of the run of Nutcracker performances (New!)
- Expanded eligibility for Specialized Makeup Role compensation
- Increased fee for late schedule changes
- Paid to Houston Ballet’s Artist Reserve Fund
Stage Management
- Hourly limits and Overtime (New!)
- 40 hours / week limit during Rehearsal Weeks
- 55 hours / week limit during Performance Weeks
- Overtime pay for hours beyond those limits
- Guaranteed “Calling Stage Manager” credit in performance programs
- Guaranteed participation in all weapon safety training
- Personal protective equipment required when unloading props from the warehouse
- Employer will meet with AGMA regarding safe handling of props containing potentially harmful materials
Other Gains
- Prohibition on using AI to replace an Artist or to create original images of Artists for promotional materials (New!)
- Expanded Exit Pay benefit for all dancers and stage managers