gunner Posted January 7, 2007 Posted January 7, 2007 Hi,I have searched through the forum and don't seem to have found the answers that I am looking for. Basically I am the lighting designer/operator for a local am-dram group and one of our young members (he's 14) has shown an interest in being our followspot op for our next show.Are there any legality issues with having an under 16 group member doing this sort of job. He will be fully supervised.All replies welcomed.
MarkPAman Posted January 7, 2007 Posted January 7, 2007 Google must like me better! "Under 16" gave me this, and this which both seem relevant.
gunner Posted January 7, 2007 Author Posted January 7, 2007 Just to clarify we are an amateur group so no one get's paid, hence the reason I'm a little unsure. If we were paying people then we wouldn't be considering it.
WJProctor Posted January 7, 2007 Posted January 7, 2007 Just to clarify we are an amateur group so no one get's paid, hence the reason I'm a little unsure. If we were paying people then we wouldn't be considering it. We are an amdram group, and we make sure all out members are insured against things like this, during set building, and show etc. Look for insurance cover, but then to clarify that your members are covered they have to sign a form basically to say they are a member, just to make it clear who are members and who arent. James
Michael James Posted January 7, 2007 Posted January 7, 2007 I follow spotted a few shows before I was 16, some were amateur, some were professional. I wasn't paid, but did it as a learning experience, as the head technician took me under his arms and taught me a fair amount. I shouldn't think there is an issue with him follow spotting, as long as you don't pay him. With regard to supervision, I wasn't ever supervised whilst operating the followspot during a performance, although I had spent some time with a technician next to me, whilst I had a practice, and was shown how to operate. Hope thats helps you a little. Regards Michael James
PDD Posted January 7, 2007 Posted January 7, 2007 I suppose you could say that H&S law applies equally to amateur groups so why not employment law... or not. Check your group's insurance policy - make sure there's no age restrictions in that. Otherwise; I was doing more than just followspot at the age of 14 and eager to do it too! I work in a school where I often have 14-year-olds doing followspot, board op and other supervised jobs. As long as it's within your own organisation and not taking a job away from a paid operator then I don't see why there should be a problem. It's excellent experience and the best way to encourage people into this industry. My only thought would be if you're performing in a pro venue, then things maybe more awkward.
Andrew C Posted January 7, 2007 Posted January 7, 2007 As much as it makes my blood boil to even mention it, it may be worth considering the Councils licencing divots. I've no idea which department, but those jumped up ******* that restrict how many shows a kid can act in. I really wouldn't call and ask, but check up behind their backs first. Shhhh, my daughter is spotting a few panto performances over the next couple of weeks and I've told NO-ONE!! (Oh, and I do understand the need to control kids WORKING in theatre, ensuring that their education doesn't suffer) @Paul H&S applies as we need to keep ourselves, the performers and the punters safe; in Am theatre we are doing it for fun :) and are clearly not employed! No-one would work this hard for an employer!
lightingyoung Posted January 7, 2007 Posted January 7, 2007 hiI have done folow spot before I was 16, the group said that it come under there normal insurance for any member.hope this helps.
Brian Posted January 8, 2007 Posted January 8, 2007 I suppose you could say that H&S law applies equally to amateur groups so why not employment law... or not. H&S applies as we need to keep ourselves, the performers and the punters safe; in Am theatre we are doing it for fun and are clearly not employed! The HSWA applies equally to all people whether they are 'employees' or members of the public. Their receiving money in return for their services has nothing to do with their status. Unpaid volunteers can easily be considered as employees. I've posted this link before but it's worth repeating, HSE Enforcement Guide.
digitalangel Posted January 10, 2007 Posted January 10, 2007 Cheers for the replies guys. I'm Gunner's CSM, and we'd pretty much come up with the things you guys have.Insurance wise he'd be covered so that's not a problem. H&S wise, we run as if we were a professional outfit, observing all applicable regs. For him it'll be pretty much HASAW, as he can't be a 'competent person' even if he knew his stuff, but some of the backstage areas he will be permitted to go in have specific risk assessments/safety briefing due to other regs. He isn't with another group, so our yearly performance would be his only one outside of school.If you think of anything else, please let us know.
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