AGMA and Opera Philadelphia have a new Collective Bargaining Agreement! The three-year agreement delivers meaningful gains in wages, retirement, scheduling, and working conditions for Opera Philadelphia Artists. This agreement was approved by AGMA members and ratified by AGMA’s Board of Governors on August 10, 2026.
Thank you to the negotiating committee and congratulations!
CONTRACT HIGHLIGHTS:
Economics
- Wage scales and per diem increase 3% each year
- Retirement contributions for Principal Artists, Stage Directors, and Choreographers increase each year, culminating in a 100% increase during the life of the agreement
- Increase to Production Staging Staff supernumerary fee
- Increase to Chorister meal allowance on split-rehearsal days
- Increase to media fees and application of media fees to Covers
- Reduced CBA minimum rates for smaller theaters eliminated
Chorister Gains
- Language recognizing the importance of regular engagement of Choristers
- Minimum rehearsal call increases from 2 hours to 3 hours, with two exceptions per production
- Chorus engagement periods for the following season distributed by March 1
- 90% of rehearsal hours guaranteed when Choristers receive their contract offers
- Choristers cannot be required to attend schedule changes made within 30 days when they are unavailable, and will be compensated
- Audio learning tracks for new or infrequently performed works
- Improved rest period language
- Updated Chorister engagement tiers and re-audition language
Production Staging Staff Gains
- Weekly hours before overtime reduced from 54 to 51
- New $200 local transportation stipend for eligible Production Staging Staff
More Gains for Artists
- Expanded eligibility for nursing parents using extended rest periods
- Holidays section expanded to cover all Artists
- Improved safety protections for fight scenes
- Reimbursement for Artists who are required to use personal makeup to now include those who do so after developing dermatological issues with the Employer-provided make-up