I need a bit of advice...

I was told today by a casting director to save my money and not bring my 16 year old to LA until he is 18...Reason:  18 year old's can play a 16 yr old part and not have to hire a tutor/teacher.  My son can play a younger age...I wanted him to get his feet wet with extra work and if he landed something else, then that was OK too.  He is also coming to finish a track for a music producer.  I really appreciated the advice, but what do others think?

Ronda, parent

Hi Ronda!

Here is a ray of sunshine for you! 

In California, 16-17 year olds need a teacher for education only.  That means that although they require teachers for three hours of required on set education when school is in session, they do not require the teacher to remain on set to provide welfare when school is not in session (i.e. weekends, holidays or summer vacation).

That means that your child can work all summer long (assuming he will be on summer break from school) without being required to have a California Certified Studio Teacher present on set. 

If you can schedule your project around summer break, you'll have plenty of time to dip your toe in the acting pool.  Hours of work are still limited, and you will still need an entertainment work permit/coogan account, etc. 

For more info on CA Law, click on the rules and laws tab above, then choose California from the drop down list and hit "Go".  Everything you need to know is on that page including a summary of the rules that you can print out. 

GOOD LUCK!

Toni Casala

Hi Toni,

Thank you for the information....How can you become an educator on the set? Where do you apply for a position?  I am an educator and would like to possibly do some tutoring and instruction on sets.  I am certified preschool through 12th grade.

Thanks again

Ronda

 Ronda,

     I am sure Toni will answer your question shortly, but until then I recommend checking out the "Studio Teacher Requirements" section under Education.  You should be able to find the information you are looking for there.  

 ~ Heather

Studio Teacher/ Welfare Worker is a dual-credentialed teacher, holding both elementary and secondary teaching credentials, who has also passed an exam on California Child Labor Law and has completed a 12 hours Studio Teacher training course. You can find specifics under "Education" and then "Studio Teacher Requirements".

 In California, you must be dual credentialed, meaning that you must hold both a California elementary AND secondary teaching credential, PLUS, you must take a 12 hour training course and pass an exam on California Child Labor Law. .. .but that is just California.  Most states only require that you are a licensed teacher.  So, the answer depends on where you live and where you hope to work.  If you live outside of California, you will want to check the "rules and laws" for the state where you live.  Click on the Rules and Laws tab and select your state from the drop down menu.  The rules are sumarized and there are links and contact info if you need additional help. 

Also, California law follows California resident minors when they work outside of the state with a California Production company, so investigate the situation before you accept work to assure that the production is not violating the law by hiring you.

Contact me if you have additional quesitons.

:-)  Toni