12/5/2022 – Union organizing among artists continues into the month of December, as the singers of the Philadelphia Symphonic Choir have signed cards to form a union and join the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA). “It is becoming more and more apparent to performing artists that standing together and speaking with one voice is the way to ensure safe, equitable, and viable careers in their industries,” said Griff Braun, AGMA’s National Organizing Director. “AGMA supports the singers of the Philadelphia Symphonic Choir as they seek to unionize. We applaud their display of solidarity with one another and the larger labor movement.” Since its formation six years ago as the resident choral ensemble of the Philadelph... Read More -->

AGMA's November 2022 Newsletter was emailed to members in good standing on November 30. (Be sure to check your spam/promotions/other folders!) This month's newsletter included an important dues reminder, exciting organizing updates, some amazing contract highlights from recent ratifications, mental health resources, audition and job opportunities, a reminder to complete DANCE/NYC’s Industry Census, updates from AGMA caucuses, and a recap of the November Board Governors Meeting! As a reminder, members can review ALL of AGMA’s past monthly newsletters by visiting the Newsletter Archive on the website (MyAGMA login required). ... Read More -->

11/30/2022 – The wave of artists organizing across the country continues as the Dancers of Texas Ballet Theater (TBT) have signed cards to form a union and join the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA). “We are thrilled that an overwhelming majority of the dancers of this important company have come together in union. AGMA looks forward to welcoming the dancers of TBT into the community of union artists, and supporting them at every stage,” said Griff Braun, AGMA’s National Organizing Director. Texas Ballet Theater was founded by Margo Dean in 1961 and is now an internationally recognized professional dance company. The Company’s roster includes 29 dancers. The Dancers have also sent their own letter to Texa... Read More -->

TODAY is Giving Tuesday, a global generosity movement that unleashes the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world. Each year Giving Tuesday provides an opportunity for friends and supporters to come together and support the AGMA Relief Fund’s longstanding mission of helping AGMA Artists in need. On Giving Tuesday, and every day, there are a number of ways you can support the AGMA Relief Fund: Donate! Make a gift of any size to the AGMA Relief Fund (tax deductible!)Encourage others to participate! Forward this link to your network of friends who love and support the ArtsSpread our message! Post about the AGMA Relief Fund on your social media channels The AGMA Relief Fund is 100% dependent... Read More -->

11/28/2022 - With an overwhelming majority of support, the Dancers of Ballet Memphis have signed cards to form a union and join the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA). “We’re thrilled that the Dancers of Ballet Memphis have come together in union with AGMA, as so many dancers from around the country have done. These artists recognize the importance and power of having a collective voice, and AGMA is here to support their efforts every step of the way,” said Griff Braun, AGMA’s National Organizing Director. Founded in 1986 by Dorothy Gunther Pugh, and based in Memphis, Tennessee, Ballet Memphis regularly performs at their midtown home, at Playhouse on the Square, Germantown Performing Arts Center, and the Orpheum The... Read More -->

Actors’ Equity Association has been at the bargaining table with The Broadway League since September negotiating the contract that covers Broadway and other League-produced sit-down productions across the country. They still don’t have a deal for a fair contract. A solidarity rally was held in Times Square on Thursday, November 17. Now, they have created a petition through Action Network. AEA actors and stage managers on Broadway are fighting for fair wages and adequate increment payments; sensible rehearsal schedules and sufficient coverage for actors and stage managers; and workplace safety that covers everything from COVID safety protocols to discrimination and harassment. AGMA members can show the Broadway League that people ... Read More -->

AGMAzine, the Union’s long-standing publication, has earned a Gold Award in the 2022 MarCom Awards. The MarCom Awards is an international creative competition that recognizes outstanding achievements by marketing and communication professionals. Entries come from across all industries including corporate marketing and communication departments, advertising agencies, public relations firms, design shops, production companies, and freelancers. AGMA was recognized for its 2022 Summer AGMA on the Rise issue. This is the Union’s second MarCom Award. In 2021, AGMA earned a Gold Award for the 2021 Winter issue of AGMAzine entitled The New Frontier. The magazine is put together by the Membership and Member Relations Committee (MMR... Read More -->

New Webinar Alert! The recording of the Health Insurance Seminar hosted by the AGMA Staging Staff Caucus on Monday, November 14 is now available for viewing. National Director of Health Services for the Entertainment Community Fund Renata Marinaro, LMSW, served as guest speaker. She provided slides that have also been posted to the website. Marinaro has dedicated her career to counseling professionals in the entertainment and performing arts industry nationwide on healthcare coverage options. The recording and the PDF of the slides are available exclusively to AGMA members. To access, members must log in to MyAGMA and visit the “AGMA Webinars” hub (found via the MyAGMA dropdown menu). From there, members should select “AGMA... Read More -->

The new collective bargaining agreement between AGMA and Tulsa Ballet was approved by AGMA leadership, after being overwhelmingly ratified by the shop. Thank you to the negotiating committee and congratulations on this 4-year agreement! CONTRACT HIGHLIGHTS GENERAL COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: Compensation increases in Year 1:Apprentice: 10%Corps De Ballet I: 7%Corps De Ballet II: 5.5%Demi Soloist: 5%Soloist: 5%Principal: 3% Additional increases of 3%, 3%, and 2% in Years 2-4.17% per diem increase Matching retirement contributions up to 2% Weekly parking allowance doubled from $10 to $20 Additional paid sick leave to comply with CDC quarantine recommendations, in addition to existing paid sick leave bank&nb... Read More -->

11/17/2022 – The American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) is pleased to announce that the dancers of Saint Louis Ballet have voted overwhelmingly in favor of unionizing with AGMA, the labor union of the finest dancers, singers, and staging staff in dance, opera, and concert choral performance throughout the United States. The National Labor Relations Board election was held on Thursday, November 17. Given the results, Saint Louis Ballet has recognized AGMA as the exclusive bargaining representative of the dancers. “Congratulations to the dancers of Saint Louis Ballet for winning their Union. AGMA is thrilled to welcome the dancers of Saint Louis Ballet during a pivotal moment in AGMA’s history,” said Sam Wheeler, AGMA’s... Read More -->