Shows with actors under 16, a very supervised work
The work of minors under the age of 16 on a set is very precisely framed and regulated. A show file, which describes in detail the schedule of rehearsals, performances and tours, is first submitted to the Regional and Interdepartmental Directorate for the Economy, Employment, Labor and Solidarity (DRIEETS ). Once the agreement has been obtained by the commission, the play can be mounted. “The development of this type of show is particularly complex”, says Solenn Réto, head of the production and distribution department of the Théâtre de la Colline, in Paris. The schedule of the child is punctuated according to age. Rehearsals last one hour for 3-year-olds, two hours for those between 3 and 5 years old… They increase to 4 hours a day for 12-16-year-olds with a mandatory 30-minute break. Young people under 16 cannot play at night except by special dispensation between 8 p.m. and midnight. They can only chain two days of performances, which leads to alternating distributions.
From the school point of view, the authorization of the person in charge of the establishment and the rector of the academy is requested if the duration of employment leads to a school absence of more than three days, and the family undertakes that the lessons are made up. A member of his family also accompanies him when he travels. A dedicated coach supports young actors during rehearsals and accompanies them during performances, including on tour, for costume changes, but also quite simply to reassure them if necessary. “A pact of trust must be created between all the members of the team, comments Cyril Anrep, assistant to Wajdi Mouawad and coach on set. Work only passes through the positive, benevolence. »
