Legal Definitions - AGVA

AGVA stands for the American Guild of Variety Artists.

AGVA is a labor union that represents a wide range of performers in the variety entertainment industry. This includes artists such as singers, dancers, comedians, magicians, circus performers, and others who perform in live venues like theaters, nightclubs, theme parks, and cruise ships. AGVA works to protect its members' rights, negotiate fair contracts, ensure safe working conditions, and provide benefits.

Here are a few examples of how AGVA might be involved:

• Imagine a professional magician who is offered a contract to perform a residency at a major Las Vegas casino. Before signing, the magician, as an AGVA member, would consult with the union. AGVA would review the contract terms, ensuring that the pay, working hours, benefits, and performance conditions meet industry standards and are fair to the artist. If any terms are unfavorable, AGVA would negotiate with the casino on the magician's behalf to secure a better agreement.

  This example illustrates AGVA's role in contract negotiation and protecting the financial and professional interests of its variety artist members.

• Consider a group of acrobats performing in a touring circus. During their tour, they encounter unsafe rigging equipment and excessively long rehearsal hours without proper breaks. As AGVA members, they can report these issues to the union. AGVA would then intervene, investigating the complaints and working with the circus management to rectify the hazardous conditions and ensure compliance with safety regulations and fair labor practices outlined in their collective bargaining agreement.

  This example demonstrates AGVA's function in advocating for safe working conditions and enforcing labor standards for its members in the variety arts sector.

• A singer performing on a cruise ship finds that their employer is not paying them the agreed-upon weekly salary, citing unexpected budget cuts. The singer, an AGVA member, contacts the union for assistance. AGVA would then step in to mediate the dispute, presenting the original contract and demanding that the cruise line honor its financial obligations. If necessary, AGVA could pursue legal action or arbitration to recover the unpaid wages for its member.

  This example highlights AGVA's role in resolving disputes and ensuring that employers adhere to the contractual agreements made with variety artists.