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Theatre News > Child licensing laws 'should be changed to give youngsters opportunities'
Child licensing laws 'should be changed to give youngsters opportunities'
Wednesday, 5 January 2011
The government has said it intends to change "outdated" child licensing laws in order to ensure youngsters do not miss out on the chance to appear on stage and the small screen.
An advisory group featuring members from the Society of London Theatre and NSPCC has been established to overhaul the 40-year-old legislation, which may result in amateur theatre groups being completely exempt from child licensing laws.
However, members will also be responsible for safeguarding arrangements to make sure children are not exploited.
Former Royal Television Society chair Sarah Thane said: "Our shared goal is for children to be free to experience and enjoy performing with proper regard for their welfare."
Whenever children are required to perform in TV or theatre roles, measures must be put in place to take care of them.
For instance, several young performers share the role of Billy Elliot in the hit West End production, as it would be too much for one child to appear in eight shows a week.
