Oregon Ballet Theatre Artists Join AGMA

PORTLAND, Ore., Sept. 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) was officially recognized as the union representing the dancers and stage managers of the Oregon Ballet Theatre.  This recognition comes after a majority of these artists signed a petition requesting AGMA to represent them.  The Oregon Ballet Theatre (OBT) agreed to a voluntary procedure to confirm majority support which was completed last week.

"We are privileged to represent the interests of all the wonderful dancers and staging staff at OBT.  AGMA welcomes this group to our family of professional artists who strive each day to reach artistic heights and their professional goals.  Oregon Ballet Theatre, as the largest ballet company in the state, deserves the professional status that comes with AGMA representation.  We look forward to working harmoniously with management in creating a contract that works for the Artists and the Company," stated Leonard Egert, National Executive Director of AGMA.

Negotiations for a first contract are expected to commence next month.  OBT Board Chair Nancy Locke stated, "The Ballet is proud of the long, positive working relationship that it has had with the dancers and stage managers, and views their selection of AGMA to represent them as a positive. That relationship was built on mutual respect and trust and having the dancers and staging staff represented by AGMA will strengthen that relationship. Going forward, every member of the OBT family wants the same thing, which is a ballet company that performs excellent and exceptionally artistic work for the community which it serves."

About the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA)
The American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) is a labor organization that represents the men and women who create and engage in America's operatic, choral and dance performances across the world.  AGMA represents approximately 7,500 opera singers, ballet and modern dancers, and production personnel at all principal opera houses and dance companies in the United States.  As it relates to dance, AGMA represents most major ballet companies and several modern companies across the country, from New York City Ballet to San Francisco Ballet.  The Union provides forceful advocacy and defense of its members' employment and artistic rights and is affiliated with the AFL-CIO; Branch of Associated Actors and Artists of America.

For more information, please go to www.musicalartists.org.

About the Oregon Ballet Theatre (OBT)
Oregon Ballet Theatre (OBT) is the largest professional ballet company in Oregon, employing nearly 200 people and attracting artists from around the globe with our reputation for excellence. The company is rooted in the traditions of classical ballet, with a repertoire that ranges from the great classics to premieres from some of the most exciting choreographic voices in the field today.

OBT is committed to sharing our passion for the expressive power of ballet, inspiring an enduring appreciation of dance, and connecting in meaningful ways to our community through excellence in performance, training, and educational programs. OBT seeks to inspire beauty and excellence in the hearts and minds of Oregonians through the creation and preservation of the highest quality classical and contemporary ballet performances. In addition to our 4-show main stage season, OBT trains dancers from 4 years old to 80 years old through the professional and recreational classes at the OBT School. For more information, please go to www.obt.org

SOURCE American Guild of Musical Artists