Performances by children

Performances by children are governed by The Children and Young Persons Acts 1933 & 1963, and the Children (Performances) Regulations 1968.

These notes give general information only:

Who is the licensing authority?

• Normally the Local Authority where the child lives.  If the child lives outside Great Britain it is the Local Authority where the licence applicant lives or has business premises.  If the child is at a boarding school then it is the Local Authority where the school is.

Who applies for the licence?

• The person responsible for the production in which the child will take part.  Where "person" is a Corporate Body, licence application to be signed by the individual responsible for that part of the business.

• An application form for a licence is available on the Application forms page.

When must the licence application be made?

• Twenty-one days before the first date of performance.

Who is the licence holder?

• The person who signs the licence application.  The licence holder has responsibility for observing the restrictions of the licence.

What information has to be given about the number of days for which a licence is requested?

• Actual dates.

• Number of days over a six-month period for an Open Licence.

The above can apply to an individual child, or a group of children for whom a block licence application is made.

How do rehearsals affect licences?

• Rehearsals do not count towards the total number of days permitted.

What must accompany the licence application?

• Two identical passport photos of the child;

• The child's birth certificate;

• A copy of the contract, or other documents if payment is being made to the child;

• A declaration (when necessary) stating that the part cannot be undertaken except by a child of about his/her age.

What will the licence show?

• The child's name (plus stage name if appropriate);

• Nature of performance;

• Place of performance;

• Date(s) of performance(s)

An application form for a licence is available on the Application forms page.