YES

Minors under the age of 18 may be employed in entertainment provided the studio or production company meets the necessary requirements regarding work hours and waivers to employ such minors. Massachusetts law limits the hours and conditions of work for children working in entertainment, theater or film. (M.G.L. c. 149, s. 104)

Click here for MA Youth Employment Overview

Click here for Massachusetts Law – Child Labor can be found in sections 56-105

YES

While a standard work permit is not required, a special Waiver of Child Labor Restrictions for Minors in Theatrical Productions must be obtained through the office of the Attorney General of Massachusetts. It is the responsibility of the production company or studio to obtain the minor’s work waiver.

Click here for information about the Youth Employment Permit

Click here for Permit Application form

YES

It is the responsibility of the studio or production company to obtain the necessary waivers to employ minors under the age of 16 from the state of Massachusetts Attorney General’s office. The employer must submit a completed application form, signed by a parent/legal guardian and a health practitioner along with a certificate of workers compensation insurance, minors proof of age and a $100.00 application fee. Applications should be submitted at least one week, but no later than three days, prior to commencement of the work for which the waiver is sought.

If your waiver is granted, you should receive a copy of the waiver within 2 to 4 days prior to the filming or production. If there are issues with your waiver, you will be contacted as soon as possible.

Click here for the Entertainment Industry Waiver Process

Click here for the Entertainment Industry Waiver Application

YES

Every contract executed by or on behalf of a minor rendering artistic or creative services for compensation in this state shall require that fifteen percent of the gross earnings for the minor under the contract be placed in a trust fund created for the benefit of the minor. Click here for more information.

YES

The state of Massachusetts requires the name and phone number for the on-set tutor(s) if the minor will be working more than 3 days. It is the responsibility of the employer to contact the child’s school district prior to employment to ensure educational needs are met.

YES

Massachusetts Law does not requires Talent Agencies to hold a “Talent Agency” license, however Theatrical Booking Agents, Personal Agents and Managers are required by Massachusetts General Law to to have an Employment Agency license issued by the Commissioner of Labor and Industries. There is a $1,000 bond required. Ch.140, Section 46B. See also, Chapter 140: Section 180A-G.

All offers of employment must be in writing, executed in triplicate and delivered to each party to the contract. Licensees procuring such employment must also obtain record copies. Ch. 140, section 180D

NO

The state of Massachusetts does not recognize graduated minors as “legal 18”.

Elizabeth Murdock
Child Labor Waiver Unit, Fair Labor Division
Office of Attorney General
P.O. Box 412985
Boston, MA 02114
Elizabeth.Murdock@mass.gov

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Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office 412985
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