AGMA
The American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA)
https://www.musicalartists.org
is the labor union that represents artists from numerous disciplines that create America's operatic, dance, and choral heritage. Whether our members are soloists, choral singers, actors, ballet dancers, or production staff, our union is a strong force in guaranteeing that our nation's artistic institutions adhere to fair labor practices, securing both gainful employment and quality of life for our artists.
Please take a moment to explore our website, learn about our history, and understand the important role that AGMA, and its members, have played in the development and vitality of our nation's most cherished cultural institutions.
OFFICERS & BOARD OF GOVERNORS
https://www.musicalartists.org/about-agma/board-members-officers/
All union officers are performing artists who are elected once every four years. All members in good standing are eligible to vote. Each active member in good standing who has worked under an AGMA collective bargaining agreement (CBA) for an AGMA signatory employer shall be eligible for nomination and election.
The Board of Governors, the governing body of AGMA, is responsible for setting policy, final approval of all contracts, management of union funds, and for protecting all members from unfair or unsafe practices and conditions. Elections for the Board are held biennially. Each active member in good standing who has worked under an AGMA collective bargaining agreement (CBA) for an AGMA signatory employer shall be eligible for nomination and election to the Board, provided that said member has worked under an AGMA collective bargaining agreement (CBA) for an AGMA signatory employer within the classification that said Board seat represents.
Officer and Board terms are for a period of four years.
MEMBERSHIP AREAS
https://www.musicalartists.org/about-agma/membership-areas/
AGMA is a National Union, without a system of locals. However, AGMA does have an area structure for representation to the Board of Governors and a level of area administration. Many areas have an Area Executive Committee and an Area Chairperson. Members are encouraged to attend area meetings and other functions during the course of the year. A member's area is determined by their primary address on record at AGMA. In some cases where an artist lives in one area but perhaps has most of his or her employment in another area, that artist may designate a different area as their area. Mailings such as audition notices, meetings, and other important information is often based by areas.
The composition of the Board of Governors is based on a formula of members in good standing (paid to date) for each of the following categories: Soloist, Chorister, Dancer/Choreographer, Stage Manager/Stage Director.
SIGNATORIES
https://www.musicalartists.org/about-agma/signatories/
GALLERIES
https://www.musicalartists.org/about-agma/galleries/
MEMBERSHIP
https://www.musicalartists.org/membership/
Membership in the American Guild of Musical Artists has countless benefits and advantages. Not only does it provide you with access to auditions at all AGMA Signatory Companies, but it also provides you with the protections that our labor agreements have guaranteed at companies all across the country.
We have provided several electronic resources for your perusal. Whether you need to check a given opera's role classification (otherwise referred to as Schedule C), are inquiring about a Visa consultation letter, would like information on upcoming auditions with AGMA Signatories, or would like to learn more about our reciprocal audition agreement with Actor's Equity, you can find all pertinent information through our Membership and "MyAGMA" portals.
If you're a new member, or would like to learn more about the benefits of joining AGMA, the "For New Members" section has a vast array of resources for those looking to familiarize themselves with our membership benefits and procedures.
HOW TO JOIN
https://www.musicalartists.org/membership/how-to-join/
To join the American Guild of Musical Artists, you can call AGMA’s Membership Department for information at (212) 265-3687 or (800) 543-2462, or download an application here.
AGMA applicants must pay a one-time-only Initiation Fee of $1,000 and a yearly fee - referred to as basic dues - of $100, payable every December for the following calendar year. This fee may be paid by credit card or check. The total fee must be paid by the time your income from AGMA engagements reaches $4,000, or three years from the date of your first AGMA contract – whichever comes first. For more information on our dues structure, please visit our Explanation of Dues page.
Unlike other entertainment unions, we do not require proof of work for you to join. However, you cannot work for certain AGMA signatory employers without joining AGMA, satisfying your dues obligations and keeping your account in good standing.
FOR NEW MEMBERS
https://www.musicalartists.org/membership/for-new-members/
The American Guild of Musical Artists, AFL-CIO is the labor union that represents opera and concert singers, production personnel and dancers at principal opera, concert and dance companies throughout the United States.
By becoming a member of AGMA, you join in the long tradition of artists throughout the United States and abroad who have recognized the inherent value of having a union negotiate their agreements, and pursue their workplace concerns, while they spend their time perfecting their craft.
In addition to improving contractual provisions for wages, hours and terms and conditions of employment, we strive to expand protection of health and safety concerns, including the elimination of hazardous workplace conditions. Additionally, we are always available to assist you in any way necessary to protect your contractual professional and legal rights.
We solicit and welcome your participation in AGMA’s activities and encourage you to play an active role in the governance of your union.
Please read through our New and Prospective Member Handbook to learn more.
https://www.musicalartists.org/auditions/
SAN FRANCISCO OPERA 2020 CHORUS AUDITIONS
THE METROPOLITAN OPERA ANNOUNCES CHORUS AUDITIONS FOR THE 2020 – 2021 SEASON
NEW YORK , NEW YORK | CHORUS
Date:July 12, 2019Deadline:September 21, 2019Contact:ChorusAuditions@metopera.org
View PDF
The Metropolitan Opera Chorus and Extra Chorus offer unique and rewarding career opportunities for highly qualified performers. Classically trained professional singers who have been invited to audition should be prepared to sing two operatic arias in different languages from memory. Selections should demonstrate the applicant’s ability to sing lyrically. An accompanist will be provided.
All qualified applicants will be considered for Full Time (Regular) and Extra Chorus positions for the Metropolitan Opera's 2020-2021 season.
Applicants shall submit via email addressed to ChorusAuditions@metopera.org the following materials:
in the subject line of the email, please format: Last Name, First Name; Voice Type; AGMA or non-AGMA
a cover letter requesting an audition; please indicate your 1st, 2nd, and 3rd audition session preferences from the dates below
a current one-page resume and photo/headshot
an audio clip (MP3 file, no larger than 10 MB) of an operatic aria (please no YouTube clips or links)
a list of no more than 5 operatic arias, two of which will be selected as your audition pieces
Auditions will be granted by invitation only, and will be held at the following times:
Session #1 Thursday, November 21st, 2019 3:00pm to 5:30pm
Session #2 Tuesday, December 10th, 2019 3:30pm to 6:00pm
Session #3 Thursday, January 9th, 2020 3:00pm to 6:00pm
Session #4 Friday, February 7th, 2020 3:00pm to 5:30pm
Applications must be received on or before 12 midnight EST, Saturday, September 21st, 2019. Submissions received after this date, regardless of postmark or email transmission time, will not be considered. If a particular audition date is required, it is advisable to submit one’s application well in advance of the submission deadline.
THE MET DOES NOT PROVIDE SPONSORSHIP FOR EMPLOYMENT VISA STATUS.
Any singer who is offered employment and is not already a member of AGMA (American Guild of Musical Artists) will be required to join AGMA.
All applicants will be notified as to whether an audition has been granted. No audition comments will be shared with the applicant.
Similar information about the auditions may be found by contacting the following:
The Metropolitan Opera Website
https://www.metopera.org/About/Auditions/Chorus/
The Metropolitan Opera
Donald Palumbo, Chorus Master
Daniel Hoy, Chorus Administrator
Lincoln Center
New York, NY 10023