Legal Definitions - American Guild of Variety Artists

The American Guild of Variety Artists, commonly known by its acronym AGVA, is a labor union that represents performers working in various live entertainment fields. Its members include singers, dancers, comedians, magicians, acrobats, and other variety artists who perform in venues such as theaters, nightclubs, cabarets, cruise ships, and theme parks. AGVA's primary function is to advocate for the rights and interests of its members, ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and equitable contracts with employers and agents within the entertainment industry.

• A professional tap dancer secures a role in a national touring production of a classic Broadway musical. Before signing her contract, she consults with the American Guild of Variety Artists (AGVA) to ensure the terms regarding her salary, rehearsal hours, and performance conditions meet union standards. AGVA's involvement helps protect her interests and ensures she receives fair treatment as a performer in a theatrical setting.

  Explanation: This illustrates AGVA's role in advocating for a performer's contract in a theatrical context, ensuring fair terms and conditions for its member.

• A magician is offered a six-month residency performing nightly shows on a major cruise line. As an AGVA member, he relies on the union to review his proposed contract, which covers aspects like performance schedule, travel arrangements, and compensation for his act. AGVA's expertise helps him navigate the complexities of international entertainment contracts and ensures his rights are protected while working at sea.

  Explanation: This demonstrates AGVA's support for variety artists in non-traditional venues like cruise ships, focusing on contract review and protection of rights for a specific type of performer.

• A group of acrobats is hired to perform a high-energy show at a large amusement park for its summer season. Since they are AGVA members, the union negotiates with the park management on their behalf to establish a collective bargaining agreement. This agreement covers their wages, safety protocols, and benefits, ensuring the performers have a secure and fair working environment within the theme park industry.

  Explanation: This highlights AGVA's collective bargaining power for multiple performers in a theme park setting, emphasizing fair wages, safety, and benefits as key union functions.