The Stage Managers of Des Moines Metro Opera (DMMO) have signed cards in support of unionizing with AGMA. DMMO is one of the leading summer festival opera companies in the country.
“The stage managers of Des Moines Metro Opera wish to recognize the incredible success and growth that DMMO has experienced in recent seasons by joining the American Guild of Musical Artists…It is our sincere hope that Des Moines Metro Opera will voluntarily recognize our union and help establish the kind of collaborative relationship that will draw the nation’s top stage management talent to DMMO,” said the organizing stage managers, in a written statement to the Company.
“We believe that only experienced union stage managers can appropriately staff the increasingly complex productions - with eyes toward artistic quality, integrity, and safety. We believe this relationship will be mutually beneficial for many years to come,” the stage managers’ statement continued. “Together, we have considered all factors and believe this is the strongest and most positive step for DMMO, the current group of stage managers, and for all those to come.”
AGMA has officially notified Des Moines Metro Opera management and the Company has until 5:00 p.m. ET on Friday, February 11, 2022, to respond.
“With union approval rates higher than they’ve been in decades, workers are recognizing the protections and benefits that come with being part of a labor union,” said Griff Braun, Director of Organizing and Outreach at AGMA. “We are very excited to support the stage managers of Des Moines Metro Opera as they stand together and begin this journey.”
AGMA will release more information as it becomes available.