AGMA and American Ballet Theatre recently announced a new three-year agreement that delivers meaningful wage increases, restores retirement benefits that had been reduced over the past two decades, strengthens health and safety protections, and improves scheduling, casting, and support for Artists throughout their careers. 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 staging staff!
CONTRACT HIGHLIGHTS
Wages
Dancers:
- Year 1 Wage Increase
- Corps Step 1: 21.7%
- Corps Step 2: 12.9%
- Corps Step 3 and above: 4%
- Soloists & Principals: 3%
- Year 2 Wage Increase
- 3% to 4% increases across all ranks
- Year 3 Wage Increase
- 3% to 5% increases across all ranks
Stage Management:
- Assistant Stage Managers: 7% Year 1, 4% Year 2, 4% Year 3
- Stage Managers: 7% Year 1, 4% Year 2, 4% Year 3
- Production Stage Managers: 3% Year 1, 4% Year 2, 5% Year 3
Retirement & More Financial Gains
- Retirement contribution restored
- Artists on O-1 or P-1 visas now receive Supplemental Unemployment Benefits equal to the maximum state unemployment benefit
- Increased seniority pay for Dancers and Stage Managers
- Meal allowances increased by 7%
- Extraordinary Risk pay increase
- Singing and speaking fee increase
- Corps step-up pay increased to:
- $75 for Soloist roles
- $150 for Principal roles
- Numerous additional increases to overtime, penalties, travel, choreography fees, and other premium payments
Production Staff Improvements
- New meal break protections for Production Stage Managers, Stage Managers, and Assistant Stage Managers
- Additional pay protections for extended work periods beyond ten consecutive days
- Stage Management receives 12 complimentary tickets each season
Health & Wellness
- Two physical therapists guaranteed during every rehearsal and performance week
- Expanded protections surrounding health, weight, physical appearance, and mental health discussions
- Health professionals must participate in meetings regarding Artist health
- Clear timelines, procedures, and action plans established to support Artists
- Minimum rehearsal and performance temperature increased from 65° to 68°
Scheduling & Casting
- Principal casting posted four weeks in advance of the first performance of each week
- All other casting posted three weeks in advance of the first performance of each week
- Artists performing Principal roles on long-distance tours may request to travel one day earlier
- Protections for Apprentice Artists when requested or required to perform with the ABT Studio Company
- Stronger scheduling language supporting more efficient rehearsals
- Additional studio space available whenever possible during Company Class and run-through rehearsals
Career Support & Employment
- Artists with seven or more years of guaranteed employment receive earlier notice of non-reengagement
- Exit pay expanded for long-serving Principal Artists
- Additional holiday protections, including a guaranteed additional free day when a holiday falls on a performance day or a regular free day and the recognition of:
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- Memorial Day
- Juneteenth
- Labor Day