Labor Law and Work Permits for Pennsylvania.
Do you know the child actor labor laws for your state? If you’re looking to pursue a career in entertainment for your child or if you are an entertainment industry professional looking to employ a child in your production, it is important that you know the child actor labor laws in both your home state and any state in which you intend to work.
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YES
The state of Pennsylvania regulates the employment of minors in entertainment. The state Department of Labor and Industry issues special permits for the employment of minors in theatrical productions, musical recitals or concerts, entertainment acts, modeling, radio, television, motion picture making, or in other similar forms or media entertainment in Pennsylvania. State law includes provisions on hours of work, educational instruction, supervision, health, welfare, and the safeguarding and conservation for the minor of the monies derived from such performances. [Pennsylvania Child Labor Act P.L. 12009 #151 Cl.43].
Click here for a summary of PA Child Labor Laws A-Z
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YES
Special performance permits are required for minors in entertainment at ages and hours permitted by law. The permit application must be completed and signed by the parent or guardian, the school district and the employer and submitted no less than two weeks prior to the performance or first rehearsal.
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NO
Permits are not specifically required to employ a minor, however the employer is required to complete and sign the appropriate portion of the Application for Permit for Employment of Minors in Theatrical or Other Performance.
The State of PA, Dept. of Labor may waive any or all requirements. Use this form to request a waiver of Child Labor Provisions.
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YES
An irrevocable child performer trust or qualified tuition program must be established and maintained if the minor is entitled to receive residuals anticipated to exceed $2,500 for the production, or if the minor has already earned $2500 from prior employment. Trust accounts established in other states shall meet these requirements.
Employers are to deposit 15% of gross earnings in a timely fashion. [Section 5 (2) (i) (ii) (iii) (A) (B) (iv – xi)
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YES
The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry issues special permits for the temporary employment of minors as part of the performing cast in the production of a motion picture, if the department determines that adequate provision has been made for the educational instruction, supervision, health and welfare of the minor. If a minor is going to miss any school the employer must demonstrate adequate provision has been made for the child’s education [Pennsylvania Child Labor Law, Section 7.1].
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NO
The state of Pennsylvania does not require talent agents to hold talent agency licenses, employment agency licenses or to be bonded by the state.
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YES
The state of Pennsylvania recognizes graduated minors as “legal 18”. Click here for details.
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Timothy Geier
Bureau of Labor Law Compliance
Department of Labor & Industry
651 Boas St
Harrisburg PA 17121
Direct: (717) 214-9871
Toll Free: (800) 932-0665 press # 2
Email: RA-LISLMR-ENT_APPS@pa.gov