A practical reference guide to child performance licences, working hours, breaks, chaperones, safeguarding, adult bookings and usage expectations for castings, shoots and productions.
In the UK, a child performance licence may be required when a child of compulsory school age or younger takes part in entertainment, modelling, filming, advertising, television, theatre, online campaigns or other performance-related productions.
In England, child performance licensing is governed by legislation including The Children (Performances and Activities) (England) Regulations 2014. The rules are designed to protect the welfare, education, safety and wellbeing of children taking part in performances or paid modelling.
A licence is usually required only when a child has been confirmed for a specific booking or production. In many cases, the licence applies to one booking or production only.
Local authorities may apply additional conditions or restrictions if they consider it necessary in the best interests of the child.
The table below provides a practical guide to typical child performance limits in England. Requirements may vary depending on the licence, local authority, production and individual circumstances.
| Rule | Age 0–4 | Age 5–8 | Age 9 & Over |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum hours at place of performance or rehearsal | 5 hours | 8 hours | 9.5 hours |
| Earliest and latest permitted times | 7am to 10pm | 7am to 11pm | 7am to 11pm |
| Maximum continuous performance or rehearsal | 30 minutes | 2.5 hours | 2.5 hours |
| Maximum total performance or rehearsal | 2 hours | 3 hours | 5 hours |
| Meals and rest breaks | Any breaks should be at least 15 minutes. If present for more than 4 hours, breaks should include at least one 45-minute meal break. | If present for more than 4 hours but less than 8 hours: one 45-minute meal break and at least one 15-minute break. If present for 8 hours or more: the same breaks plus another 15-minute break. | If present for more than 4 hours but less than 8 hours: one 45-minute meal break and at least one 15-minute break. If present for 8 hours or more: the same breaks plus another 15-minute break. |
| Education | N/A | 3 hours per day, maximum 5 hours per day. 15 hours per week on school days. Minimum of 6 hours in a week if aggregating over 4 weeks or less. | 3 hours per day, maximum 5 hours per day. 15 hours per week on school days. Minimum of 6 hours in a week if aggregating over 4 weeks or less. |
| Minimum break between performances | 1 hour 30 minutes | 1 hour 30 minutes | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Maximum consecutive days | 6 days | 6 days | 6 days |
Local authority note: Local authorities may further restrict permitted hours, breaks and conditions if they consider it to be in the best interests of the child.
A child performance licence is commonly required when a child is confirmed for work in television, film, theatre, modelling, advertising, paid sport, online content or other performance-related activity.
Processing times can vary. Some councils may request up to 21 days’ notice, while others may process applications in 5–10 working days or sooner at their discretion.
Parents, guardians, clients and production teams should ensure all required permissions, licences and chaperone arrangements are in place before work begins.
A child taking part in a licensed performance or production will usually need to be supervised by an approved chaperone or, where permitted, their parent or legal guardian.
Chaperones are responsible for helping protect the child’s welfare. They may monitor working hours, breaks, conditions, travel, changing arrangements, safety and the child’s general wellbeing.
The child’s welfare should always come first. A chaperone, parent, guardian or responsible adult should raise concerns immediately if they believe a child is tired, distressed, unsafe or being asked to do something inappropriate.
Productions involving children should be planned carefully and appropriately. Clients and production teams should consider safeguarding before confirming any booking.
In the United States, child performer requirements vary significantly by state. Parents, guardians, clients and productions should check the rules in the state where the child lives and the state where the work takes place.
California commonly requires minors working in entertainment to hold an entertainment work permit. Depending on age and circumstances, additional training or documentation may be required.
California is also known for Coogan account requirements, where a portion of a child performer’s earnings may need to be placed into a protected trust account.
New York generally requires child performers to have a Child Performer Permit. A child performer trust account is also commonly required before paid employment.
New York guidance states that at least 15% of gross earnings must be transferred into the child performer’s trust account.
Other states may have different rules covering work permits, trust accounts, education, working hours, supervision, payroll and child welfare.
US clients and productions should confirm applicable child labour, entertainment, schooling, tax, payroll and safeguarding requirements before booking a child performer.
In Australia, child employment and entertainment rules vary by state and territory. Productions should check the relevant authority in the state or territory where the work takes place.
In Victoria, employers generally need a child employment licence to employ a child under 15, including for entertainment and advertising work, whether the work is paid or voluntary.
In New South Wales, the person responsible for casting and directing a child may need an authority to employ children. Authorities may be issued for different periods.
Queensland has specific child employment rules for entertainment, including restrictions around maximum hours, shifts, breaks, prohibited hours and supervision.
Requirements can differ across Australia. Productions should check local legislation and guidance before confirming any child performer, model or actor.
In the United Arab Emirates, requirements may vary depending on the emirate, production type, filming location, client, agency and whether the project involves advertising, commercial filming, events, media production or public performance.
Clients and production teams should confirm whether approvals, location permits, parental consent, school permissions, child welfare arrangements or additional documentation are required before a child takes part.
Adult talent do not require a child performance licence, but clear booking terms should still be agreed in writing before any shoot, production, fitting, audition, campaign or commercial booking takes place.
Adult talent note: Adults do not need a performance licence, but clients and production teams should still ensure working conditions, usage rights, payment terms and any exclusivity are agreed clearly before the booking.
Usage rights are especially important for modelling, acting, commercial, UGC and advertising bookings. Talent should understand where, how and for how long their image, video, voice or content may be used.
| Usage Type | What It Usually Means |
|---|---|
| Editorial | Use in articles, magazines, blogs, newspapers or editorial-style content. |
| Commercial | Use to promote, advertise or sell a product, service, brand or campaign. |
| Social Media | Use on platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn or similar channels. |
| Paid Ads | Use in paid advertising, boosted posts, display ads, paid social ads or online campaigns. |
| Buyout | A fee covering wider or longer usage rights. The exact scope should be agreed in writing. |
| Renewal | Additional usage after the agreed period may require a further fee or renewed permission. |
If images or video are used beyond the agreed campaign, location, platform, territory or time period, additional usage or renewal fees may apply.
UGC and creator bookings should be agreed clearly before work begins. Content creation can involve different rights and expectations from traditional modelling or acting work.
Before confirming a booking, the following should be checked and agreed where relevant:
This page is a general guide and does not replace legal, local authority, production-specific or contractual advice. Child performance requirements, adult booking terms, usage rights, permits, licences and safeguarding requirements should always be checked and agreed before confirming a booking.
All Stage Casting provides platform guidance to support safer and clearer casting, but parents, guardians, talent, clients and production teams remain responsible for ensuring that bookings comply with applicable laws and requirements.
If you are using All Stage Casting and have a question about a casting, profile or booking process, please contact us.
Email: info@allstagecasting.com
