The American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) has ratified a new five-year agreement with the Houston Grand Opera (HGO). This agreement was approved by AGMA leadership on March 31, 2025, following the shop’s ratification.
Key elements of this contract include several adjustments in wages and benefits. According to the new agreement, “Chorus/Dancer hourly rate will increase 15.5% over the full term of the contract,” with all other wages experiencing a “14% increase over the full term of the contract.” Additionally, extra rates are set to rise by 12.5%, while “meal allowance increases of 27% in the first year of the agreement” are also in effect.
Health and retirement contributions for Principals will see “$1 increases in each year of the agreement for flat-rate contributions per performance.” Meanwhile, Choristers and Dancers will receive a boost from 4% to 4.5% in health/retirement contributions starting in the third year.
Enhancements for principal artists are also in place, as the agreement identifies an “increase in upfront payments for Principal Artists,” now applicable to all and not just debut artists. Further, all housing allowances will be provided upfront.
For Choristers, the contract outlines that “step-out roles for Choristers who wish to audition for such roles will be made available at the time the advance notification of auditions is shared.” It adds that “a Chorister who is required to audition shall receive at least four (4) weeks advance notice of the audition and expected audition requirements.”
Assistant Stage Directors will see a change as HGO commits to “provide a meal or pay a penalty on any 3-session day that Assistant Stage Directors are not provided at least a 1-hour meal break.”
Finally, under the agreement, all artists will be given access to refrigerators and microwaves at Wortham Theater Center and will be informed of available health and wellness resources at the beginning of their contract period. All makeup artists, hairdressers, and costume staff are required to request consent before applying any type of product on an artist’s skin or hair.
