It's almost time to hold Area Committee elections! Before the self-nomination process kicks off, each AGMA Area will hold a meeting. The meeting dates will be shared throughout the next few weeks. These are special meetings, called to explain new changes to the structure and election of the Area Committee pursuant to recent amendments to AGMA's Constitution. During these meetings, members will go over the specifics of their Area Committee, the new composition of the Area Committee, and the upcoming Area Committee election. The San Francisco Area will meet on Wednesday, November 10, at 6:00 p.m. PT. SF Area members should have received an email from SF Area Chair Sally Mouzon containing Zoom details for the meet... Read More -->
MyAGMA
AGMA Black Caucus Announces October 28 Meeting
The AGMA Black Caucus will meet on Wednesday, October 28, at 7:00 p.m. EDT. All Black AGMA Artists in good standing are encouraged to join. We hope you will join us for a discussion about the structure of this caucus going forward, as we want it to be democratic and representative of all of our identities and voices as Black artists. We will also include reportbacks on anti-racist initiatives that our members are working on in their own companies, as well as information about upcoming meetings and opportunities to get further involved with this caucus. Please register in order to receive the Zoom details on the day of the meeting. Following this meeting, the plan of the ABC is to announce a meeting time on the third Wednesda... Read More -->
AGMA Operatic and Concert Choristers Caucus and Kickoff Meeting Announced
The latest caucus to establish itself within AGMA is the Operatic and Concert Choristers Caucus (OCCC). AGMA choristers in good standing are encouraged to join the first official kickoff meeting of the OCCC on Thursday, October 29, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. ET/2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. PT. To register and receive the Zoom details, please email OCCC@musicalartists.org. “We’re looking for a representative and diverse group of Artists passionate about affecting choristers’ livelihoods in a positive way,” said Met Opera Chorister Ned Hanlon. “All over the country we confront the same issues and concerns. The time has come to see what we can do to fix them by working together.” The OCCC is dedicated to the promotion of a bette... Read More -->
[Video] AGMA Delegate Appreciation Day
Happy AGMA Delegate Appreciation Day! https://vimeo.com/457877879 AGMA has instituted this new day to show our gratitude to our AGMA Delegates, Committee Members, and other Artist Representatives who, year in and year out, do amazing work. This is especially true right now, during these stressful and uncertain days amid the pandemic. We know the extra hours, emotions, and Zoom meetings our Delegates have logged since March and we would not be able to do any of this important work without them. For those who might not know, throughout AGMA, the term "Delegate" is synonymous with "Steward." They are leaders, communicators, and a resource to their colleagues. An AGMA Delegate is selected by co-workers within a bargaining unit to... Read More -->
AGMA and SDC Release Return-to-Work Playbook
AUGUST 26, 2020 - American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) and Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC) announce the wide release of the AGMA/SDC Return to Stage and Performing Arts Playbook. “From the onset of this life-changing pandemic, the economic security, health, and safety of our members have been top of mind. AGMA, SDC, and our medical experts are extremely proud of our Playbook, as it helps to address the unique risks of singing, dancing, stage managing, choreographing, and directing,” said Len Egert, National Executive Director of AGMA. “Our Playbook was initially intended as an internal tool for AGMA and SDC, but we are happy to make it widely available to the industry at large, because we are all in this toget... Read More -->
Announcing the AGMA Black Caucus
A new caucus has been established within the American Guild of Musical Artists. The AGMA Black Caucus will empower marginalized voices and bodies to combat systemic racism throughout the opera, dance, and choral music industries, and the larger performing arts community. The Caucus serves to work toward several ongoing objectives. Highlights include: Making Black union members more aware of their rights as members and compelling AGMA to do anti-racist work, within the Union and with its affiliated companies, to foster a stronger relationship between AGMA and its Black membersEnsuring that the Union demands that companies implement policies, training, and hiring procedures that shift workplace culture, advance equity, and ... Read More -->
AGMA Letter to Companies Regarding Reopening and Safety
On Tuesday, July 21, 2020, AGMA sent the following memo to its signatory companies: Dear AGMA Signatory Company, As we near the end of July, AGMA is reaching out again to our companies regarding potential reopening and related safety issues. AGMA remains dedicated to working with you to address the daunting challenges that reopening safely will entail. We must commit to working collaboratively and transparently to address the safety and economic security of your artists and companies. From the onset of the pandemic, AGMA’s foremost concern has been the safety and health of our performing artists and the well-being of the companies through which they share their exquisite talents. Our May memo to companie... Read More -->
AGMA Statement on Racism in America
On Sunday, May 31, AGMA released the following statement on social media: "The American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) is made up of diverse Artists who put more beauty into the world by coming together in union to create tremendous works of opera, dance, and song. It is clear that our society remains unequal and unjust. In recent weeks, the deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor, and the resulting protests by Americans all over the country, have again reminded us of the plight faced by our black brothers and sisters in America. Black lives matter, and AGMA stands in solidarity with those who are fighting for a more equal and more just future. We call on elected leaders at all levels of government ... Read More -->
TODAY: California High School Choir to Host Virtual Benefit Concert for AGMA Relief Fund
TODAY at 4:00 p.m. PST (7:00 p.m. EST), an accomplished high school choir will host a benefit concert on Zoom to raise funds for the AGMA Relief Fund. Due to COVID-19, in just seven weeks, the AGMA Relief Fund has seen a 2,000% increase in grant dollars given to AGMA artists in crisis. Established in 1945, the viability of the Fund is 100% dependent on donations. San Clemente High School (SCHS) was founded in 1964, and its choral tradition is deep-rooted in its 56-year history. The California high school has five choirs in place, ranging from beginning level ensembles to advanced women’s and mixed ensembles. They’ve toured New York City, Boston, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington, D.C. They regularly perf... Read More -->
Today is #GivingTuesdayNow
Today, the AGMA Relief Fund is participating in #GivingTuesdayNow, a new global day of giving and unity in response to the needs caused by COVID-19. COVID-19 has made a devastating impact on the Arts. Reports estimate nearly two-thirds of artists across the U.S. are now fully unemployed due to the pandemic. As a result, the AGMA Relief Fund has seen a 2,000% increase in emergency financial assistance granted to AGMA artists. The viability of the AGMA Relief Fund depends on donations. No amount is too little and funds go toward AGMA artists in need during the most catastrophic health and financial crisis in our history. The Arts will play a major role in our nation’s healing, so please help our artists today. Consider... Read More -->