The American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) is pleased to announce that the dancers of Dance Theatre of Harlem (DTH) have won their union and that the Dance Theatre of Harlem organization is partnering with AGMA in furthering our mutual effort to protect artists and improve their working lives. Just over one month after coming forward with their campaign, the Artists have prevailed in a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) election. Given the unanimous results, DTH management fully supports AGMA as the exclusive bargaining representative of the Artists. "We are elated to welcome the Dancers of Dance Theatre of Harlem back into the AGMA fold,” said Ned Hanlon, AGMA President. "Their return strengthens our union and reaffir... Read More -->

The American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) is pleased to announce that the ballet faculty of the School of American Ballet (SAB) have won their union! Just over one month after coming forward with their campaign, the faculty have prevailed in a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) election. Given the results, SAB management will recognize AGMA as the exclusive bargaining representative of its ballet faculty. "We extend our warmest congratulations to the Faculty at The School of American Ballet (SAB) for their win,” said Ned Hanlon, AGMA President. “This remarkable milestone not only demonstrates their dedication to their craft but also signifies a groundbreaking moment for AGMA as we welcome dance educators into our co... Read More -->

Webinar Alert! The Staging Staff Caucus welcomed Lori Rubinstein, the Executive Director of the Behind the Scenes Foundation, for a mental-health-focused presentation on March 11. The presentation was recorded and is now available for viewing (MyAGMA login is required). AGMA members can access the webinar by logging in to MyAGMA, selecting “AGMA Webinars” from the MyAGMA dropdown, and then “AGMA Caucus Webinars.” The Behind the Scenes Mental Health Initiative provides tools and resources to support entertainment industry workers and promote mental health and wellness. The session provided an overview of these tools and resources for mental and emotional well-being available to individuals seeking help for themselves, ... Read More -->

In June 2023, AGMA announced the Union's new President, Officers, and Governors. The award-winning Summer 2023 issue of AGMAzine featured interviews with President Ned Hanlon and Officers J. Austin Bitner, Brian August, Helena Brown, Antuan Byers, Andres Garcia, Katharine Goeldner, Cameo Humes, and Jennifer Wallace. Now, as part of our AGMAzine Spotlight Series, we are featuring these union leaders every Wednesday. Today, we spotlight J. Austin Bitner, AGMA's Secretary-Treasurer. “Having served on area negotiating committees as an AGMA member, I wanted to represent my fellow Artists beyond just our area contracts, so, nearly 30 years ago, I first ran for the AGMA Board of Governors. I have held an Officer position for quit... Read More -->

In June 2023, AGMA announced the Union's new President, Officers, and Governors. The award-winning Summer 2023 issue of AGMAzine featured interviews with President Ned Hanlon and Officers J. Austin Bitner, Brian August, Helena Brown, Antuan Byers, Andres Garcia, Katharine Goeldner, Cameo Humes, and Jennifer Wallace. Now, as part of our AGMAzine Spotlight Series, we will be featuring these union leaders every Wednesday. Today, we spotlight Andres Garcia, AGMA's Eastern and Southern Region Vice President. “Seven years ago, I joined the Board to support and serve the Union and the Artists of AGMA. I ran for an Officer position so that I could continue to voice the priorities and concerns of AGMA Artists at the tables of�... Read More -->

The new collective bargaining agreement between AGMA and American Ballet Theatre was approved by AGMA leadership on February 26, after being overwhelmingly supported by the shop. Congratulations and thank you to the negotiating committee for all their work on this 3-year agreement! CONTRACT HIGHLIGHTS: Cost of living increases of between 9 and 19% (varying by rank) across three years​ Retirement increased to 5% by the third year​ A one-time bonus to be paid at the end of ABT’s 2024 Met season​ Improved exit pay for Artists who separate from ABT during the term of the CBA​ Artists now eligible for exit pay one year earlier​ Workday shifted a half-hour earlier and reduced by one half-hou... Read More -->

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. This year's theme is “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion,” which acknowledges women nationwide who recognize the imperative of eradicating glass ceilings, bias, and discrimination from our lives and institutions for a brighter future. The women of AGMA exemplify this commitment through their tireless advocacy for equal opportunities, their unwavering support for marginalized voices within the industry, and their dedication to fostering an inclusive and empowering enviro... Read More -->

On February 5, AGMA officially notified Dance Theatre of Harlem (DTH) management of their Artists' intention to unionize. An NLRB union election has now been scheduled for the DTH Artists on March 14. Further updates will be provided soon. ICYMI: The Dancers of Dance Theatre of Harlem (DTH) signed cards to form a union and join AGMA. Established in 1969, Dance Theatre of Harlem holds the distinction of being the first Black classical ballet company. Formerly an AGMA company, DTH closed its doors in 2004 and resumed operations in 2012 as a non-union company ... Read More -->

In June 2023, AGMA announced the Union's new President, Officers, and Governors. The award-winning Summer 2023 issue of AGMAzine featured interviews with President Ned Hanlon and Officers J. Austin Bitner, Brian August, Helena Brown, Antuan Byers, Andres Garcia, Katharine Goeldner, Cameo Humes, and Jennifer Wallace. Now, as part of our AGMAzine Spotlight Series, we will be featuring these union leaders every Wednesday. Today, we spotlight Katharine Goeldner, AGMA's New York Region Vice President. “Four years ago, it was difficult to get AGMA Soloists to volunteer to run for the Board of Governors. A longtime Board member asked me to run, since I’ve been in this business for so many years, working both in the U.S. and ove... Read More -->

Opera Tenor Eric Ferring (he/him/his) has joined AGMA’s professional staff as a Business Representative, effective March 1. “I’m so excited to focus my full-time efforts on building member engagement and member education,” said Ferring. As a Business Representative, he will be working as part of AGMA’s senior staff on a number of tasks, including national initiatives, new organizing campaigns, and contract negotiations. He looks forward to serving AGMA’s membership in this new capacity. Ferring is no stranger to AGMA, having been an active member in good standing since 2015. He’s performed at AGMA and non-AGMA signatories all over the world, including The Metropolitan Opera, Santa Fe Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicag... Read More -->