Arizona Opera Chorus General Meeting

March 11, 2006

Introduction & Welcome (John Cleveland)

Backstage at the Opera (John Cleveland)

• 22 Choristers will be performing.
• Repertoire will be Opera, Operetta, and some Broadway selections.
• Need your help in selling tickets and distributing flyers.

Glynn Ross Memorial (John Cleveland)

• Wednesday, March 29^th, 11:00am, Leo Rich Theater in Tucson.
• AOC has invited Chorus to sing (volunteer only, not a paid service).
• Julian Reed is selecting repertoire.
• Need more choristers to sing

Let AGMA Work for You

Status of AGMA-AZ Membership (John Cleveland)

• 70% of current choristers are AGMA members or joining AGMA
• Added 26 new members since November 2002
• Added 15 new members or choristers joining AGMA in past 18 months
• Our current AGMA "Shop" is 56 members

Overcoming the Financial Challenges (John Cleveland)

• The $500 initial membership fee to join AGMA is difficult for many choristers.AGMA National has agreed to tailor the payment of this fee to each Arizona Opera chorister's financial needs.
• This is a special program for Arizona Opera choristers arranged by AGMA-AZ.
• You set your own payment schedule with no deadline for payoff.
• You determine your payment amount.
• You will stay in good standing as long as you make consistent progress in your payments and your $39 semi-annual dues are current.
• Call Candace Ito or Oliver Bailey at 1-800-543-2462 to get started.

Your Quality of Life as a Chorister (Bob Altizer)

• The AGMA - AOC Agreement guarantees rights and benefits for all choristers.
• Chorus Compensation
• Artistic Development Workshops
• Housing and Transportation
• Rehearsal Breaks
• Excused Service Absences
• Set Safety
• Core Chorus Contract Offers
• Parking Privileges
• Discounted Tickets

AGMA Membership is Leverage for the Future (Stan Kruggel)

Union Benefits in our Daily Lives (Ray Funk)

• Union Plus Benefits
• AGMA Credit Card programs
• AGMA members can take advantage of programs offered by The Actors Fund of America.
• The Actors Fund Health Insurance Resource Center
• Information and counseling for the uninsured and under-insured in entertainment and the arts.
• The Resource Center refers clients to free, low-cost and sliding scale health care programs in their areas.
• Health insurance workshops around the country.
• Contact information and website in brochure.

AGMA and Professionalism (Barry Stein)

Testimonials of New Members

Take Control of Your Artistic Future (John Cleveland)

Questions and Discussion