Amateur theatres seek child performance relaxation
Legal restrictions preventing children from participating in amateur theatrical productions could be lifted altogether.
The government will consult in 2011 on whether the 40-year-old child performance laws currently in place are required in the amateur sector, the Department for Education has announced.
At present, amateur theatrical groups need to apply to their local authority for licenses granting approval for all performances involving children.
Guidance published today has made clear the requirements involved, emphasising that individual licenses are not needed for each child involved.
Children’s minister Tim Loughton is concerned that amateur groups have been deterred from putting on shows with children’s roles in them because of the need for a license.
“Performing gives children fantastic skills and helps them build their confidence,” he said.
“The law needs reviewing to ensure children are not denied the opportunities of performing in an amateur or professional capacity. But there is also agreement that we must keep children safe from potential exploitation and make sure their education doesn’t suffer.”
Working groups involving amateur theatre groups, production companies, broadcasters, children’s charities and child psychologists are being set up to analyse the issues involved.
These will establish the different kinds of performance which need regulating and examine which are the best safeguarding arrangements.
Sir Ian McKellen, patron of the Little Theatre Guild, said he was “delighted” by Mr Loughton’s proposals.
He commented: “Any additional burden on amateur companies would be regrettable, as existing provisions can be improved and the sort of rules, necessary within the professional theatre, would inhibit the Guild’s honourable and long-standing tradition to introduce children to theatre, within a safe and enjoyable environment.”
