Backstage Adults...
In order to put on a performance involving young persons under the age of 17 we have to obtain a license from the local council. This license gives the stamp of approval that we have the correct safeguarding in place, that we are following legislations and ultimately that we are looking after the children under our care by means of licensed Backstage Chaperones.
How many chaperones do you need?
Legally we only require 1:12 ratio for chaperones and children, however at SGDA we like to have 1:6 for our under 6's, 1:8 for 6-8 year olds, 1:9 for 8-14 year olds, 1:12 for our 15-18 year olds.
This means on average we require 21 licensed chaperones backstage per performance, so in total for a two performance event our goal in to have a pool of approx 45 licensed chaperones that we can pull from.
How do I become a chaperone?
In order to become a licensed chaperone you will need to apply with your local council, who will charge around £9 for your DBS check; this is a fee which is covered by the volunteer themselves. This process can take up to 3 months to complete and so we would encourage anybody who would like to volunteer as a licensed chaperone to get this process started by the end of December 2022 ahead of our April 2023 Work in Progress.
No other adults are allowed backstage at any point, this is a legal requirement and theatre policy.
To get this process started please click on your local council below:
I have a license, or will be applying for my license - when will I be needed?
Firstly, thank you - we couldn't put on the performance without you, we are very grateful.
To help us all get organised, please select your preferred 'shift' using the table below: