AGMA is happy to announce that the Spring 2024 issue of AGMAzine is here! In our "Balance" issue, you will hear directly from AGMA members through their personal essays, art submissions, and poetry. The members featured span nationwide, with every AGMA category being represented. Additional updates and resources can also be found within the issue. We hope you enjoy reading AGMAzine, the official digital publication of the American Guild of Musical Artists. Special thanks to the Membership and Member Relations Committee (MMRC), to the Artists that contributed to the magazine, and to AGMA's staff. ... Read More -->

The Dancers of Dallas Black Dance Theatre (DBDT) have signed cards to form a union and join the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA). Founded in 1976 by Ann Williams, Dallas Black Dance Theatre is the oldest continuously operating professional dance company in Dallas. In the last 12 months, AGMA has seen an influx of professional dancers taking steps to unionize with AGMA. "The DBDT Dancers decision to organize their shop is a reflection of the evolving landscape in the world of dance, where Artists increasingly recognize the importance of coming together to speak with one voice,” said Griff Braun, National Organizing Director at AGMA. “AGMA stands with the Dancers of Dallas Black Dance Theatre as they move forward.�... Read More -->

[Philadelphia, PA – April 30, 2024] - The American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) and The Philadelphia Orchestra Association are pleased to jointly announce that the first collective bargaining agreement for the Philadelphia Symphonic Choir has been reached. This historic three-year agreement, approved by the AGMA Board of Governors on Monday, April 29, and ratified by the Shop, solidifies a partnership dedicated to elevating artistic excellence and to maintaining and fostering a fair and inclusive community. “This first agreement not only recognizes the invaluable contributions of choral artists in the performing arts but also ensures that their voices continue to resonate within our community and beyond,” said Alli... Read More -->

A common tactic used in union-busting campaigns, including at Miami City Ballet. Let’s debunk the myth that unionizing will bankrupt a company and highlight the reality of the situation. Versions of “The Union Will Bankrupt our Company!” Include: "If you unionize, we will have to cut the number of Artists." "Unionizing means we can't perform our favorite repertoire." "The Company will have to close its doors if you unionize." “If the Dancers unionize, we won’t be able to perform to live music anymore.” Reality Check: None of This is True There are no automatic costs to a company when their Artists form a union.  Any wage increases or other economic benefits for the Artists are the result of goo... Read More -->

The union of professional musicians in South Florida performing alongside Miami City Ballet dancers sent a letter to Miami City Ballet Management on April 18. A copy of the letter from the South Florida Musicians Association, AFM Local 655, with the following note, was also sent directly to dancers. AGMA is sharing with permission. To the Miami City Ballet Dancers: Please know that you are not alone! The South Florida Musicians Association, Local 655 AFM, stands in solidarity with you and is ready to offer any support you may need as you continue to fight for your union. We have sent the following letter to management. In Solidarity, Members of the Miami City Ballet Orchestra and South Florida Musicians Association, AF... Read More -->

AGMA supports the STAGE Act, a crucial lifeline for non-profit theatres in the U.S. The Supporting Theater and the Arts to Galvanize the Economy (STAGE) Act would provide $1 billion annually to support the industry, with grants available to theatres to help make payroll, pay for facilities, enhance programming, attract audiences, train workers, and more. AGMA stands firmly behind initiatives like the STAGE Act, legislation that safeguards the very essence of performing arts institutions. Background: During the first National Theatre Week, celebrated April 9-11, 2024, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Senator John Fetterman (D-Pa.), and Senator Jack Reed (D-R.I.) introduced the Supporting Theater and the Arts to Galvanize t... Read More -->

Understanding “Third-Partying” in Union Busting What is third-partying? The foundation of any company's union-busting strategy lies in third-partying unions. It’s happening right now at Miami City Ballet and has been employed numerous times in the past when other AGMA Artists sought to organize. Third-partying is the tactic of presenting a union as an external and negative force, separate from the Artists themselves. This illusion is strategically crafted to make it seem like the union is an organization “coming in” from the outside to disrupt things.  Examples of Some Third-Partying Language Companies Love to Use “The Union will come in and create division!” “The Union is a business that just wants you... Read More -->

The AGMA Black Caucus (ABC) will host its next National Meeting on Tuesday, April 30, at 7:00 p.m. ET (4:00 p.m. PT). All Black AGMA Artists are encouraged to participate! The meeting will center on looking ahead and include an open forum that focuses on navigating situations where uncertainty arises ("What to do when you don't know what to do"). Specifically, it will delve into strategies for addressing micro-aggressions, harassment, and inappropriate workplace behavior.  For anyone interested in becoming more involved with the ABC, the facilitators will share additional information on how to take on a bigger role in the Caucus during this meeting. Please register your intent to attend. After registeri... Read More -->

AGMA members' voices are critical in ensuring members of Congress support the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) funding at $211 million for FY25. It's easy to contact representatives and Senators and tell them to support this funding increase. AGMA has co-sponsored a letter-writing campaign set up by the Department for Professional Employees (DPE) through Action Network. The letter has been drafted, all senders need to do is insert a few details. Congress is already making decisions about next year’s funding for the NEA and NEH and needs to hear from union creative professionals about the need to increase federal arts funding. Send a Letter ... Read More -->

Miami City Ballet Management Held a Captive Audience Meeting on April 9 …Even though they will tell you they didn't. And it may not be their last. Let’s talk about what a Captive Audience Meeting is…and why it is a significant form of union-busting. What is a Captive Audience Meeting? Ever heard of a "Captive Audience Meeting"? Let's break it down. It's a meeting where employees (in this case, the dancers of Miami City Ballet) are required to attend and listen to anti-union messages from their employer (Miami City Ballet). For example, the meeting on April 9 was a scheduled part of the MCB dancers’ day. Only after everyone was in attendance were they told that it was not mandatory, making it effectively a captive m... Read More -->