American Guild of Variety Artists

The American Guild of Variety Artists was chartered in 1939 as the representative of "variety entertainers," a category that has changed and expanded over the years. AGVA's membership includes comedy and animal acts, nightclub singers, magicians, "exotic dancers," and performers in hotel shows in Las Vegas and elsewhere. The union has faced difficulties stemming from a transient and diffuse membership base, recalcitrant employers, and the erosion of audiences for live entertainment. It continues to bargain for better and safer working conditions, standardization of wages and improved benefits for a diverse group of entertainers.

From the description of American Guild of Variety Artists papers, 1948-1981. (New York University). WorldCat record id: 481037662

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