CHAPERONES

🎭 CHAPERONES – LOOKING AFTER OUR YOUNGEST CAST MEMBERS

Our younger performers are a very important part of CAST, whether they are appearing in a pantomime, musical or one of our other productions.

Behind the scenes, our licensed chaperones play an essential role in making sure that children and young people are safe, happy and properly cared for while rehearsing and performing.

What does a chaperone do?

A chaperone is much more than simply an adult sitting backstage!

Their first responsibility is always the welfare and safety of the children in their care.

During rehearsals and performances, chaperones help to:

• supervise children while they are backstage and in dressing areas

• make sure children are safe and appropriately cared for

• ensure required breaks and rest periods are taken

• keep an eye on performance and rehearsal times

• help children get to and from the stage at the right time

• provide reassurance and support – especially for younger or nervous performers

• make sure child performance regulations and licence conditions are followed

• be someone the children can turn to if they are worried, uncomfortable or need help

And, of course, there can be plenty of costume changes, missing shoes, last-minute toilet trips and cries of “Am I on next?” along the way!

Why does CAST need chaperones?

Children taking part in theatrical performances are protected by child performance legislation.

When a child is not being supervised by their own parent, an appropriate teacher or another person permitted under the regulations, they may need to be supervised by a Local Authority approved chaperone.

Having a team of licensed chaperones allows our younger CAST members to take part safely while giving parents confidence that their children are being properly looked after behind the scenes.

Quite simply – we couldn't put children on stage without the wonderful adults looking after them backstage.

Could YOU become a CAST chaperone?

We are always delighted to hear from adults who would be interested in becoming licensed chaperones.

You don't need to be an actor, singer or dancer – and you certainly don't need to go on stage!

You simply need to be someone who is responsible, caring, dependable and enjoys helping young people be part of the theatre.

Chaperones are approved by the Local Authority where they live. The application process usually includes:

• completing a chaperone application

• identity and address checks

• an Enhanced DBS check

• references

• safeguarding/chaperone training

• approval by your Local Authority

Requirements can vary slightly between councils, so applicants should check the current information provided by their own Local Authority.

Once approved, a chaperone licence can usually be used to chaperone children in productions with CAST and other organisations, subject to the relevant performance arrangements and regulations.

🌟 Interested in helping?

Chaperoning is a lovely way to become involved with CAST without stepping into the spotlight yourself.

You'll become part of the backstage team, help our younger performers enjoy the excitement of being in a show – and see a side of theatre that the audience never gets to see!

If you'd like to find out more about becoming a CAST chaperone, please get in touch with us.

Help us keep the next generation of CAST performers safe, supported – and enjoying the magic of theatre.