AGMA is happy to report that the FIRST collective bargaining agreement between AGMA and Perelman Performing​ Arts Center (PAC-NYC) was approved by AGMA leadership on April 29, 2024. Let’s celebrate an excellent first agreement! CONTRACT HIGHLIGHTS: COMPENSATION AND OTHER BENEFITS: Recognition of all AGMA work categories, including fight and intimacy directors, on AGMA productions Weekly payments begin upon arrival Wages aligned with Equity CBA 12% contribution to AGMA Retirement Fund Provisions for covers Stage Manager(s) engaged on full salary one week prior to rehearsals Additional tech week compensation Overtime after 50 hours Physical Therapy and special ... Read More -->

The FIRST collective bargaining agreement with the Philadelphia Orchestra Association for Artists of the Philadelphia Symphonic Choir was approved by AGMA leadership on April 29, 2024, after being overwhelmingly ratified by the new AGMA shop. Thank you to the negotiating committee and the organizing committee for all the work that went into arriving at this point. Congratulations on this FIRST agreement! CONTRACT HIGHLIGHTS COMPENSATION AND OTHER BENEFITS: Term: through the 2025-2026 Season Increase in rehearsal fee Increase in performance fee Artists to receive negotiated rate retroactively for the Mozart Requiem performances  NEW: Pay or Play NEW: Each service call will be 3 hours, inclu... Read More -->

The AGMA Staging Staff Caucus is excited to host David Maurice Sharp, a distinguished financial literacy educator and author of "The Thriving Artist: Saving and Investing for Performers, Artists, and the Stage & Film Industries," for a presentation on Finance, Investing, and Passive Income Basics on Monday, May 20, at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT. All Staging Staff members in good standing are encouraged to take advantage of this valuable opportunity to enhance their financial knowledge! David possesses a multifaceted background blending artistry and financial expertise. He has danced extensively with renowned companies and choreographed performances showcased at prestigious venues such as Lincoln Center. Tran... Read More -->

The AGMA Operatic and Concert Choristers Caucus (OCCC) is seeking a dedicated volunteer to serve as the Opera Co-Chair. Working alongside Elliott Encarnación, the Concert Co-Chair plays a pivotal role in shaping the OCCC's future. Responsibilities: Meet with the steering committee every 4-6 weeks over Zoom Schedule and book guest speakers for OCCC meetings Communicate with AGMA staff to coordinate caucus activities Attend national OCCC meetings (also over Zoom) The Opera Co-Chair should be a regular chorister in opera. This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact within AGMA. Whether you're an experienced AGMA leader or looking to become more involved with AGMA, we welcome your voice! Email&nb... Read More -->

Please tune in to this special May Day video message from AGMA President Ned Hanlon, as we commemorate the globally recognized day known as May Day (or International Workers' Day or Labour Day). Celebrated on May 1, May Day holds historical significance, honoring workers' remarkable achievements and sacrifices and their ongoing advocacy for improved working conditions, fair wages, and the protection of workers' rights. https://vimeo.com/941590990/029584dea0 Below is a transcript of President Hanlon's remarks Hello everyone! May 1 is an important day for workers around the world. In the labor-verse, we call it May Day, Labour Day (with a “u” of course!) or International Workers Day. Since this is my first May Day as Presi... Read More -->

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 -->