Young Performers Protection
A child talent manager reportedly once said, "It takes 10 years to become an overnight success." Parents expecting their children to immediately follow in the Olsen Twins' footsteps should adjust their expectations.
Young performers, just like adult ones, must develop their craft through training and experience. And much like adults, they need a strong drive to perform in order to succeed. Parents who push their children into the profession are hurting them more than helping.
Parents' first priority should be protecting their children from scams and learning their children's rights. Laws differ from state to state, so be sure to get the correct information for your state and the state where the child will be working. The three major talent unions — the Screen Actors Guild, Actor's Equity Association, and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists — can be of assistance. The SAG Young Performers Committee offers valuable information for young performers, as do organizations such as A Minor Consideration and BizParentz, which exist solely to educate and assist parents and young performers.
To work in California, for example, young performers must obtain a work permit through the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement. As result of California's "Coogan Law," named after child acting star Jackie Coogan, parents must establish a Coogan account for their child's earnings. Fifteen percent all money earned by the young performer will be placed into this trust fund. The parents are responsible for monitoring the account and ensuring the child's earnings are deposited.
In 2003, New York Governor George Pataki signed the Child Performers Education and Trust Act, which protects wages and learning for thousands of young people working in the Empire State's entertainment industry. Similar to the Coogan Law, New York law requires that 15 percent of all child performers' earnings be set aside until the actor reaches 18 years of age. Additionally, the law makes it possible for child performers to receive quality education during the work day.
Parents in any state are obligated to familiarize themselves with local child labor laws. Remember: If the producer breaks the rules, it's the parent who will be busted for child abuse.
LINKS
A Primer for Parents
Expert advice on launching your kid's career.
No Small Actors, Just Young Actors
Send your child to drama classes. But before you do, know what to look for.
Protecting Your Child
Understanding the laws and requirements related to child performers is every parent's job.
Parental Stages
Parents of young performers know it's not just their children who have to work hard and make sacrifices.
Young Performers and Joining a Union
To work on Broadway and in feature films, television, and commercials — an actor's major career and income areas — the young performer has to become a union member.
Clearing Up Coogan Confusion
New organization helps parents with new laws.
Kids Working on Broadway
This recent panel discussion was part of a national audience-development program designed to introduce young people to the magic of live theatre.
California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement
A pamphlet on child labor laws.
New York's Child Performers Education and Trust Act
New York state's information pertaining to child labor laws and child performers.
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