-
Complete child entertainment or employment forms for licences or exemptions or contact the team for more information.
Apply for a child performance licence or exemption letter
You may need a performance licence or an exemption letter if you're putting on a performance or producing a show.
About performance licences and exemptions
If you’re producing a performance which involves a child of school age, you may need to apply for a performance licence or an exemption letter.
School-age lasts until the last Friday in June of the school year in which the child becomes 16 years old.
Children who perform and take part in TV, film, theatre or modelling work must be looked after by a chaperone. This can be a parent, carer or a registered chaperone.
You don't need a performance licence or an exemption letter if the child is taking part in a school play organised by the school.
When you’ll need a performance licence
You need to apply for a performance licence if the child will:
- be absent from school as a result of the performance
- take part in TV, filming, modelling, sport or theatre work
- get paid for the performance, or their parent or carer will get paid
- be broadcasted on TV, radio, or online
When you’ll need an exemption letter
You need to apply for an exemption if the performance will not be broadcast on TV, radio or the internet, and if the child:
- will not get paid for the performance
- will not miss any school
- will not perform for more than 4 days within 6 months, including the performance
Apply by email
The child’s agency or the person in charge of the event should apply at least 7 working days before the performance date.
Download one of the applications below:
- child performance licence application (PDF 357KB)
- child performance exemption application (PDF 109KB)
Send the completed application by email to childperformancelicencing@brighton-hove.gov.uk.
You can also view our guidance for your application.
Incomplete and late applications
Any incomplete or missing paperwork is the responsibility of the person or agent applying.
If an application is received late it may be declined.
If the child is absent from school due to the performance, a school authorisation letter must be sent with the application.
More information
Children in entertainment and employment licensing
Visit the National Network for Children in Employment and Entertainment website for legislation and guidance.
Go to the NSPCC website for advice on keeping children in music, drama, dance, television and theatre safe.