Response from Dianne ffitch secretary@tavonians.org.uk

Join NODA (National Operatic and Dramatic Association) - cheap and with loads of advice available. They have loads of fact sheets with all current information with regard to child performances, safeguarding, health and safety, etc etc as well as being able to provide cheaper insurance than generally available.

I am a registered chaperone with Devon, so can comment as follows:

1. You do not need a chaperone for reheasals - but ideally the Director of any play involving children should have a DBS (available through NODA or local education provider);

2. You do need a chaperone for any dress rehearsal and performances. They act 'in loco parentis'.

3. Children need separate (from adults and by gender) changing areas, and ideally a chaperone for each gender but this depends on how many children are performing.

4. Young persons do not need to be registered with the local council to participate in rehearsals or workshops; they do need a licence to perform if there are more than 4 performances in 6 months. Otherwise, there is no need to apply.

5. If a licence is required - which is applied for from the local authority and you need to state who is going to chaperone them during the period of the licence - they need permission from their school (not a doctor's certificate).

If you are thinking about setting up a group in Liskeard, be aware that there are a lot of drama groups around here! Launceston, Callington, Bodmin and Sterts to name but a few. And they are all struggling for performers.

Would you like to comment on this? contact@dramagroups.com