Annie Hollister (she/her) joined the American Guild of Musical Artists as Eastern Counsel in March 2022. The proud daughter of an IATSE member, Hollister was born and raised in New York City and, in a previous life, trained as a classical singer. She comes to AGMA from the Honors Program at the United States Department of Labor (DOL), where she was involved in drafting and litigating regulations for the protection and empowerment of American workers.  Prior to joining DOL, she clerked for the Hon. Marsha S. Berzon on the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.  “I am thrilled that Annie has joined our team of negotiators at AGMA," said National Executive Director Sam Wheeler. "Annie is an exceptiona... Read More -->

Kristine Covillo Lynch published a personal essay on identity in the fall 2021 issue of AGMAzine. In the essay, she dives into how she “constantly questions” her identity. “Am I still a ‘dancer’ if I’m not performing professionally?” she writes. “Am I okay with going by other monikers now? Could ‘mother,’ ‘teacher,’ ‘choreographer,’ or ‘administrator/director’ be my new appellative? I love all these things, but could these new titles replace my old identity of ‘dancer?’” Also in the essay, she shares information about the company she founded with her husband. We are so happy to share her poignant thoughts once more as part of our AGMAzine Spotlight Series. I was, and perhaps I still am, a profes... Read More -->

The AGMA Board of Governors has approved a Digital Media Side Letter with BalletMet. Under this agreement, AGMA Artists are entitled to: Digital copies of professional photographs for personal and promotional useExpanded approval rights over photos and videos the employer shares online, including credit to Artists and a "do not tag" listPayments for social media broadcasts/streams PLUS social media activities (like Instagram takeovers and interviews) are optional, and to take place on paid time. Congratulations to everyone involved in this effort! ... Read More -->

In the Fall 2021 issue of AGMAzine, Production Stage Manager Whitney McAnally penned a short essay on why representation matters in the Performing Arts, and the power of inclusive phrases and word choices. McAnally joined the LA Opera staging staff in the fall of 2012 and became Production Stage Manager in 2019. Throughout her career, she has worked across the nation at AGMA and regional Equity theater houses. She spends her summers at Santa Fe Opera and is proud to be a member of AGMA for over 20 years. We are happy to share her piece once more as part of our AGMAzine Spotlight Series. “Representation matters.” These are not new words and these days we are all navigating the best way to be as inclusive as possible in our d... Read More -->

AGMA has received word that Manhattan Plaza will be opening their Mitchell Lama waiting lists for Studio, One Bedroom and Two Bedroom units as of today, March 17, 2022. Please use the Mitchell Lama Connect website to apply. This is open to New York State residents only.  There are income limits. If you need any additional information, please contact 212-971-0660 or amilano@related.com ... Read More -->

AGMA Artists are invited to submit a piece of writing or artwork to the upcoming issue of AGMAzine! The theme for the magazine this time around is AGMA on the Rise and we want to celebrate AGMA members across the country. The deadline to contribute to the Summer 2022 issue is May 6, 2022. Email submissions (word document preferred) and high-resolution photos (as attachments) directly to Denise Baker at dbaker@musicalartists.org. The theme “AGMA on the Rise” encompasses the growth and change AGMA and its members have experienced over the last two-plus years. We are still navigating through the pandemic, still fighting for equity. During this time, AGMA members have displayed great fortitude. AGMA welcomes articles (100 word... Read More -->

ACTION ALERT! The House is voting on the CROWN Act, legislation that will help end race-based hair discrimination. The CROWN acronym stands the Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair. This important bill is a part of our shared Policy Agenda for Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Arts, Entertainment, and Media Industries. Show your support and tell your representative to vote YES! ... Read More -->

This is a reminder that the Staging Staff Caucus will host an Organizing 101 presentation on Monday, March 21 at 9:00 p.m. ET. Joining together in union gives artists the power to shape and improve their workplaces and their industries. The presentation will focus on organizing new companies as well as organizing new bargaining units within existing AGMA signatory companies. Joining the Caucus is special guest speaker Griff Braun, AGMA's National Organizing Director. Braun will present an overview of union organizing and talk about the opportunities and challenges surrounding the organizing of Directors, Choreographers, Stage Managers, Fight Directors, and all their assistants and associates at both opera and dance... Read More -->

The AGMA Board of Governors has approved a side letter with Ballet West that will implement a committee on diversity, equity, and inclusion. The committee will be made up of six individuals, three of whom will be AGMA Artists at Ballet West. According to the letter, “the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee is charged with supporting, recommending, and monitoring key strategic efforts related to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion goals. The committee leads engagement on emerging issues, identifies priorities for Ballet West management, and provides guidance to the organization.” The Diversity and Inclusion Committee is intended to: Promote and recommend training and events to bring awareness to DEI in the workpla... Read More -->

REMINDER! All AGMA Singers are invited to a two-part financial planning seminar hosted by the Opera & Concert Choristers Caucus on Monday, March 21, and Monday, March 28 at 6:30 p.m. ET. Attending both parts of this complimentary and informative series is highly encouraged. All AGMA Singers in good standing may register for both (or just one) of the sessions here. The OCCC will be joined by Cameron Rahmani, Financial Representative with Northwestern Mutual, on March 21, and by Tyrone Dinneen, Financial Advisor, on March 28, who will build upon the first seminar’s foundation. Both presenters will be outlining different key subjects, such as the importance of planning for the future, how to protect assets, and retirement o... Read More -->