AGMA is ecstatic to formally introduce to you the newest members of AGMA’s professional staff. “AGMA has added four business representatives and a visa consultant to its team,” said Leonard Egert, National Executive Director of AGMA. “The business reps will help the Union increase outreach and education as well as provide support to our negotiators across the country. The visa consultant is responsible for reviewing non-immigrant work visa petitions and issuing Advisory Opinion Letters for international artists coming to perform in the United States. Please join me in extending a heartfelt welcome to these new staff members.” Brieanna Frye (she/her) joins us as one of the New York Business Representatives.&nbs... Read More -->

New York, New York - Friday, September 14, 2018 — The two major musical unions at the Metropolitan Opera, the Associated Musicians of Greater New York, Local 802, AFM and the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) announce the approval of a new contract with the institution, pending final ratification on Monday by the AGMA Board of Governors. The unions represent several categories of workers at the Met, including the Regular and Associate Musicians of the MET Orchestra and Music Staff and Assistant Conductors, represented by Local 802, and the AGMA-represented Chorus, Soloists, Stage Managers, Stage Directors, Staff Performers, Dancers, and Choreographers. The joint statement is as follows: “We, the musicians and musical artists ... Read More -->

New York, NY (January 30, 2018) –  American Ballet Theatre (ABT), the internationally acclaimed ballet company based in New York City, concluded an overall tentative agreement with the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA), the national union representing about 90 dancers and stage managers at the Company. The new three-year agreement, subject to approval by the AGMA Board of Governors, includes annual wage increases and an increase in retirement contributions for the artists, among other modifications. The chief negotiator for AGMA was its New York Area Dance Executive, Griff Braun. “We are very pleased to successfully conclude these negotiations and I know that these dedicated Artists are now looking forward to embarking on ... Read More -->

The Sarasota Ballet, their dancers and AGMA enter negotiations for a labor contract. The Sarasota Ballet announces today that the Company joins the top national ballet companies in America by voting to join the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA). AGMA represents dancers, singers and stage production staff in dance and opera companies throughout the United States. A secret ballot vote was held based upon mutual agreement between The Sarasota Ballet and AGMA. Based on the results of the election, The Sarasota Ballet has recognized AGMA as the exclusive bargaining representative of the dancers. Negotiations for a first contract are expected to commence within a couple of weeks. “This is an understandable step in the growth of The Sar... Read More -->

In honor of Black History Month, the latest from HuffPost explores the unique set of challenges that face dancers of color. AGMA ballet dancers Miranda Silveira, member of San Francisco Ballet, and Olivia Boisson, of the New York City Ballet, are interviewed in the article. They share why diversity and representation in the Industry matters to not only those currently dancing professionally, but the young people dreaming of being on stage one day.  “Feeling represented in what you do for a living is crucial,” Silveira told HuffPost. From Silveira's Instagram Account Silveira grew up in Barcelona, Spain. She moved to Madrid at 14 to pursue ballet at the Real Conservatorio Profesional de Danza Mariemma. At just 16, she... Read More -->

Local 802 AFM's "Rally for a Fair Contract" is tomorrow, September 19, outside Lincoln Center at 6:30 p.m. ET. AGMA members: please consider coming to the rally tomorrow if you are in the area. AGMA stands in solidarity with our Local 802 colleagues in their contract dispute with New York City Ballet, who have yet to step up to compensate these artists in line with their tremendous value to this successful company. We urge a swift and just resolution that respects and reflects these musicians' essential role within the City Ballet community. We strengthen our collective voice by coming together with our sibling unions and advocating for shared concerns. Follow Local 802 on their social media channels for timely ... Read More -->

Longtime AGMA dancer Georgina Pazcoguin is here to disrupt the status quo. She is co-founder of Final Bow for Yellowface, an author, and the first female AAPI soloist at New York City Ballet. Pazcoguin’s many NYCB credits include Anita in West Side Story. Her extensive repertory of George Balanchine works includes lead roles in A Midsummer Night's Dream and Tchaikovsky Suite No. 3. Her Broadway Credits include Ivy in the 2014 Revival of On The Town. Georgina originated the role of Victoria the White Cat in the first revival of Cats on Broadway, choreographed by Andy Blankenbuehler in 2016.  Ms. Pazcoguin was a recipient of the Mae L. Wien Award for Outstanding Promise in 2002. She is a two-time Chita Rivera Award nominee f... Read More -->

The American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) condemns all sexual abuse and sexual harassment.  AGMA is fully committed to ensuring that the artists we represent have safe, supportive workplaces.  We recognize and appreciate the brave women and men who have come forward as part of the #MeToo movement and acknowledge that the arts community has too often turned a blind eye to sexual misconduct. Singers and dancers, and many other performing artists, work in close physical proximity to their co-workers, presenting an art that requires bodily contact and touching.  It is imperative that these workers have confidence that they can do their work free from sexual harassment and abuse.  As the union representing these artists, one of our pri... Read More -->