AGMA and Tri-Cities Opera have reached a new four-year agreement, bringing important updates to compensation, workplace protections, and working conditions for AGMA Artists! The AGMA Board of Governors ratified this contract on October 19, 2026.
CONTRACT HIGHLIGHTS:
Economics
- Annual wage increases of 3% in Years 2, 3, and 4
- New minimum per-performance fee for Leading roles
- Stage Manager weekly rate increased by approximately 19.5%, with new pro-rata daily rates
- Reduced Stage Manager overtime threshold during rehearsal weeks
- Increased Chorister and Chorus Mute/Bit per-performance fees
- RATP per-performance rates set at 75% of minimum soloist rates, with additional compensation for Leading roles during performance weeks
- Per diem tied to GSA rates
- Updated payment schedule aligned with payroll, including ACH payment option
Artist Protections & Workplace Safety
- Expanded anti-discrimination protections, including gender identity or expression, union membership, military status, and additional protected categories
- Inclusive hair and makeup language and gender-neutral terms throughout the CBA
- Housing standards for Artists placed in donor housing
- Stricter costume cleanliness requirements
- Qualified Fight Director and Intimacy Coordinator requirements
- Adequate preparation time for Artists affected by cuts to productions
More Highlights
- Expanded CBA coverage to productions in venues with 1,300 or more seats
- Clearer definitions and responsibilities for Assistant Stage Directors, Assistant Stage Managers, and Stage Managers
- Expanded local Artist hiring radius from 55 to 85 miles
- New Community-Based Artist framework to provide greater flexibility in hiring local talent