The Laws Surrounding Kids on Stage

What the Law Says About Children Performing

If your child wants to perform professionally on stage or in film, there are legal requirements you need to know about. The UK has specific rules designed to protect young performers, and these apply whether your child is appearing in a local theatre production or a major television show.

These regulations cover children under school leaving age. They set out when and how long children can work, what supervision they need, and how their education should be protected during any production.

The rules can seem detailed at first, but they exist for good reason. Understanding them early will help you avoid problems and make the experience better for everyone involved.

Child Performance Licences

Any child under 16 who takes part in a paid performance will usually need a child performance licence. This applies to theatre, film, television, and paid modelling work. The licence is issued by the local authority where the child lives.

The application is typically made by the person or organisation employing the child, not by the parent. However, parents will need to give their consent and provide certain information as part of the process.

Local authorities assess each application individually. They consider factors such as:

• The child's health and wellbeing
• The suitability of the working conditions
• Arrangements for the child's education during the production
• Supervision and safeguarding measures in place

Processing times can vary between local authorities. Some may deal with applications quickly, while others may take longer or request additional information. It helps to apply well in advance of any planned performance dates.

There are some limited exemptions. For example, a licence may not be required for certain amateur performances where the child is not being paid, though specific conditions apply. Your local authority can confirm whether an exemption applies in your situation.

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Working Hours and Conditions

The law places strict limits on how long children can work and when. These rules cover rehearsal time as well as actual performances.

Younger children have shorter permitted working hours than older ones. There are also rules about rest breaks, meal times, and the latest time of day a child can be at a performance venue. During term time, additional restrictions apply to protect schooling.

Productions must provide a licensed chaperone when a parent or guardian is not present. Chaperones are responsible for the child's welfare throughout the working period. They must be approved by the local authority and cannot look after more than a set number of children at once.

Conditions at the venue matter too. There should be suitable facilities for rest, changing, and meals. The environment should be safe and appropriate for the child's age.

Where to Find Official Guidance

The specific rules around child performance licences, working hours, and chaperone requirements are set out in legislation and government guidance. Details can change, so it is worth checking current information before making any commitments.

GOV.UK provides guidance on child employment and performance regulations. Your local authority's licensing or education team can answer questions about applications and local procedures.

If your child is being represented by an agent, they should be familiar with these requirements. However, as a parent, it is still sensible to understand the rules yourself.

Professional organisations such as Equity, the performers' union, also offer resources for parents of child performers. These can be helpful for understanding your rights and what to expect from productions.

Taking time to understand these regulations before your child starts performing will help things run smoothly. It also means you can focus on supporting your child rather than dealing with unexpected problems later on.