| October 18th | Children In Film Notice | Archive| About Us| |
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Can Minors Audition During
the School Day?
Responsible Producing
An eager showbiz parent may have no problem taking his/her child out of regular school, or suspending homeschool hours in order to attend an audition. After all, if he/she chooses to skip the audition because of the child's school schedule, there is a huge risk that the opportunity will be lost, right?
It is for this reason, among others, that industry professionals should never hold auditions, meetings or interviews during school hours. Doing so could, of course, detract from the minor's education, but also missing regular school can cause the minor to be marked absent or tardy, which could diminish their ability to obtain a work permit due to unsatisfactory attendance when a job is offered.
Additionally, it is against SAG rules to hold auditions during school hours. The SAG TV/Theatrical Basic Agreement, section 50.F(7) states the following:
Interviews and fitting for children who are attending school shall be held outside of school hours. Such interviews and fittings shall be held no later than 9p.m.
The SAG Commercials Contract, schedule A, sect. AA, paragraph 3 states the following:
Calls for auditions and fittings for children of school age shall be after school hours, provided such calls are completed prior to 8 p.m. Two adults must be present at and during any such call involving a minor. Producer shall conduct interviews in a manner which protects the health, well-being and dignity of the minor.
Is there anything particularly 'illegal' about this? Unfortunately no- labor law does not regulate auditions (job interviews), only employment. As a community, it is important for all of us to do the right thing where children are concerned. Responsible producing includes scheduling auditions for children after 3 p.m. daily (when children aren't in school). Please join us at Children In Film to help share and spread this message.
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