News

AGMA National Election Update: Candidates Announced

Published March 10, 2023   |  By Musical Artists  |  Post in All Areas

The list of eligible Candidates is now available on the 2023 AGMA National Election webpage (see below for how to access the members-only page.) There are no contested races in this election. As a result, each of the listed Candidates will be deemed elected effective June 1, 2023, provided they do not withdraw as a Candidate by or before March 28, 2023.  Members will not receive ballots in April as previously contemplated in the Nominations and Election Policy as there are no contested races. Please send any questions to Elections@musicalartists.org. Congratulations to the new future Officers and Governors, and thank you for your continued participation in AGMA! Members: To a... Read More -->

AGMA Ratifies 4-Year Agreement with Wolf Trap Opera

Published March 9, 2023   |  By Musical Artists  |  Post in All Areas

The new collective bargaining agreement between AGMA and Wolf Trap Opera was approved by AGMA leadership, after being overwhelmingly ratified by the shop. Thank you to the negotiating committee and congratulations on this 4-year agreement! CONTRACT HIGHLIGHTS COMPENSATION AND OTHER IMPROVEMENTS: Wage increases of 4%, 3%, 3%, and 2.5% over 4 years.Production Staff improvements, including reduction from 60 to 54 hours per week before overtime (except for tech week), and re-engagement communications.Chorister improvements, including full compensation for canceled rehearsal hours appearing on the 30-day schedule, approximately 25% increase in G1 chorister (Artists on AGMA contracts for the first time) rehearsal rate for Y... Read More -->

International Women’s Day

Published March 8, 2023   |  By Musical Artists  |  Post in All Areas

It’s International Women’s Day! This year’s theme is "Embrace Equity." Today, we celebrate women's achievements within and beyond the AGMA community. International Women’s Day is meant to honor women, raise awareness around discrimination, and take action to drive gender parity. To learn more, visit www.internationalwomensday.com. ... Read More -->

AGMA Ratifies 3-Year Agreement with Oregon Ballet Theatre

Published March 7, 2023   |  By Musical Artists  |  Post in All Areas

The new collective bargaining agreement between AGMA and Oregon Ballet Theatre was approved by AGMA leadership, after being overwhelmingly ratified by the shop. Thank you to the negotiating committee, and congratulations on this 3-year agreement! CONTRACT HIGHLIGHTS: COMPENSATION AND OTHER BENEFITS: Compensation increases:4%, 6.5%, 6.5% for Company Dancers  4% each year for Stage Managers and Apprentices Reengagement protections securing a minimum number of programs working under a new AD, clear evaluation requirements and additional personal days if non-reengaged.  More specific and earlier production schedules.  Increased weeks that include two consecutive Free Da... Read More -->

AGMA, SCEA Announce Emerging and Young Artist Webinar

Published March 6, 2023   |  By Musical Artists  |  Post in All Areas

REGISTER AGMA and the Soloist Collective for Emerging Artists (SCEA) will once again co-present “An Intro to AGMA and Organizing for Emerging and Young Artists in Opera” on Wednesday, March 22, at 7:00 p.m. ET. Designed for both AGMA members and non-AGMA Artists, this virtual presentation and discussion will cover fundamental information about AGMA, the basics of union organizing, and the obstacles and opportunities within Emerging and Young Artist programs. Emerging and/or Young Artists in opera are encouraged to join in the conversation! Please feel free to share this link with any of your emerging/Young Artist colleagues who you think might be interested! ... Read More -->

Watch Now: Parents and Caregivers Webinar Hosted by AGMA Staging Staff Caucus

Published March 2, 2023   |  By Musical Artists  |  Post in All Areas

The AGMA Staging Staff Caucus hosted "BUILDING INDUSTRY CARE: An Open Discussion on Parents and Caregivers in Our Field" on Monday, January 23. This was open to ALL AGMA members. Rachel Spencer Hewitt joined as guest speaker. She is the founder and National Director of Programming, Partnerships, and Resources of the Parent Artist Advocacy League (PAAL), a national organization that serves as a resource hub, community, and solutions generator for parents in the arts and the institutions who support them. The presentation was recorded and posted on AGMA’s website (MyAGMA login required). To access the webinar webpage, log in to MyAGMA and select “AGMA Webinars” from the MyAGMA dropdown menu. From there, select "AGMA Caucu... Read More -->

AGMA Celebrates Women’s History Month

Published March 1, 2023   |  By Musical Artists  |  Post in All Areas

WHO RUN THE WORLD? Happy Women’s History Month! This month we uplift the incredible achievements of the women of AGMA and honor the barrier-breaking trailblazers who have paved the way for future generations of women to succeed in the performing arts. The 2023 theme is "Celebrating Women Who Tell Stories," and recognizes women in media and storytelling, including stage, print, radio, TV, blogs, podcasts, news, and so on. Visit womenshistorymonth.gov for more. ... Read More -->

Protect Working People: Pass the PRO Act

Published February 28, 2023   |  By Musical Artists  |  Post in All Areas

The PRO Act is the most significant piece of pro-worker legislation in Congress. Passing the PRO Act will finally reform outdated labor laws, hold corporations accountable for union-busting, ensure the swift passage of a first union contract, and more.   Visit the AFL-CIO website for more information. ... Read More -->

FINAL DEADLINE REMINDER: Candidate Materials AND Nominating Petitions are Due March 1

Published February 27, 2023   |  By Musical Artists  |  Post in All Areas

FINAL REMINDER: Completed and signed CANDIDATE MATERIALS FORMS AND completed and signed NOMINATING PETITION FORMS must be received by the AGMA National Office no later than 5:00 p.m. ET on March 1, 2023. KEEP IN MIND: All Candidates will be informed whether they have met the qualifications to run for office on or around March 20, 2023. AGMA staff will confirm that materials have been received but will not confirm that a candidate has provided a sufficient number of valid signatures or met the eligibility requirements prior to March 20, 2023. Candidates are strongly encouraged to submit several more than the minimum number of signatures on their Petition Form(s) in case one or more signatures on their Petition form(s) are... Read More -->

Dancers of Texas Ballet Theater Join AGMA

Published February 23, 2023   |  By Musical Artists  |  Post in All Areas

2/23/2023 – The American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) is pleased to announce that the dancers of Texas Ballet Theater (TBT) have voted overwhelmingly in favor of unionizing with AGMA, the labor union of the finest dancers, singers, and staging staff in dance, opera, and concert choral performance throughout the United States. The dancers fought vigilantly for months to win their union, having faced an extensive union-busting campaign by TBT management and their hired consultant. After prevailing in a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) hearing toward the end of 2022, the NLRB ordered an immediate mail ballot election, with the vote count taking place on Friday, February 23. Given the results, TBT management has recognized... Read More -->