Blog Post

How to Apply for a Child Performance License
Will Carne • Feb 09, 2021

Part 1 is to be completed by production and will consist of the following:

  1. Child Protection Policy (attach)
  2. Project name and theatrical/musical/dancing/filming/sport/modelling
  3. Description of activity child will be completing with context
  4. Risk assessment (attach)
  5. Locations of rehearsals/performance
  6. Dates and times of rehearsals/performance
  7. Total duration of activities or performances including rehearsals
  8. Approximate duration of child's appearance in activities or performance
  9. Night work (any activity between midnight and 7am) - must provide good reason for the work being done at night
  10. Child performance fee
  11. Rehearsal details
  12. Days requiring time off school
  13. Tuition details
  14. Chaperone, tutor or parent details
  15. Chaperone licence authority
  16. Number and sex of children the chaperone is responsible for
  17. Address of the child's accomodation if different from home address
  18. Approximate travel times
  19. Any other local authorities considering applications for this project


Part 2 is to be completed by the parent and will consist of the following:

  1. Child's name
  2. Child's home address
  3. Child's date of birth
  4. School name and address
  5. Details of any license recieved in the past 12 months (if the child has moved to a new local authority)
  6. Details of any license refused in the past 12 months
  7. Details of any performances for which a license was not required in the past 12 months
  8. Dates on which the child has been absent from school due to performance in the past 12 months
  9. Amount of monies earned by child in the past 12 months


Always put N/A or TBC rather than leaving any boxes blank.


The parent is then required to attach:

  • Completed medical declaration.
  • Copy of child's birth certificate.
  • Recent picture of the child.
  • *Copy of the contract or draft contract.


*All of the above is to be completed prior to casting with the exception of the child's contract.

3. Full description to inform any conditions added to the license.


5. Name of venue and full address including postcode.

6. State dates and times of day. 'Within permitted hours' is not acceptable.


If specifics unknown, state period of engagement

(< 6 months) and number of days required.

14. Name and full address.

Best practice: ask parents to complete this for each child prior to casting, and bring along in a sealed envelope with the child's name on.


Following casting the only additional information required from parents is:

- Contract for the child

- Letter from the school giving permission for absence


Footnote all requests for this information with:

All documentation for any child not cast will be destroyed as per our data protection policy.



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by Will Carne 15 Feb, 2021
Acknowledging WILCA Media's duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, reflecting statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complying with best practice principles.
by Will Carne 09 Feb, 2021
When do you need a children's performance license? What is the process? How long does the process take? Answers to those questions in this helpful guide for producers and parents working with performing children in film, TV, modelling or theatre in the UK.
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