Official Site of The State of New JerseyMinors in Theatrical Production
Minors in theatrical production have certain workplace protections, and parents/guardians and employers need to follow the rules.
Starting August 1, 2026, the process to get a permit to employ minors in theatrical production changes.
New Registration System
You no longer apply through myworkingpapers.nj.gov.
Entertainment industry employers and parents/guardians must now each apply online for a one-year permit to employ minors under the age of 18 in “theatrical production.”
This covers stage, motion picture, and television performances and rehearsals.
There is a separate new registration system for minors specifically for theatrical productions.
| PARENTS: CLICK HERE TO GET STARTED |
| EMPLOYERS: CLICK HERE TO GET STARTED |
Parents/Guardians
The one-year permit application includes:
- The minor’s name, age, date of birth, address
- The parent/guardian’s name, age, date of birth, address
- Written verification from the child’s school district to confirm the minor’s school record, attendance, and compliance with the district’s standards for age, academic performance, attendance, and health
After you submit, NJDOL may reach out for more information.
Employers
Employers in the entertainment industry must also apply, separately, for a one-year permit to employ minors in any work or activity. Submit an application here.
Permitted minor working hours
Days prior to a school day (i.e. Typically Sunday-Thursday):
- May not work before 5:00 am or after 10:00 pm.
Days prior to non-school day (Typically Friday and Saturday):
- May work between the hours of 5:00 am and 12:30 am.
The maximum working time and time on set are regulated by the minor’s age, as follows:
| Age Range | Maximum Work Time | Maximum Time on Set |
| 15 Days - 6 Months | 20 Minutes | 2 hours |
| 6 Months – Under 2 Years | 2 Hours | 4 hours |
| 2 Years – Under 6 Years | 3 Hours | 6 hours |
| 6 Years- Under 9 Years |
4 hours (school day) and |
8 hours |
| 9 Years – Under 16 Years |
5 Hours (school day) and |
9 hours |
| 16 Years – Under 18 Years | 6 Hours (school day) and 9 Hours (non-school day) |
10 hours |
Waivers
Parents/guardians and employers may request a waiver from a specific requirement(s) for issuance of a permit by the NJDOL:
- In cases where the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission determines that it involves a significant contribution to the development of the motion picture industry in New Jersey, or,
- For good cause shown
The NJDOL will set forth the terms of any waiver within the permit itself. NJDOL may also issue waivers electronically. Employers must keep a copy of the waiver at the workplace.
Education Requirements
If the minor is scheduled to work for three or more days a week for an employer, the employer must provide an average of at least 3 hours of teaching time for each day of school missed within the work week, calculated on a weekly basis.
For example, if the minor is scheduled to work for 6 days in one week and 3 of those days are school days, the employer must also provide 9 hours of scheduled teaching time to make up for the 3 missed days of school. However, the employer may spread those 9 hours of teaching time out over all 6 days of work.
The employer must provide a teacher who is credentialed for the level of education required by State law from the third missed day of school through the remainder of the minor’s employment.
Minor Supervision
The minor must be under the direct care and supervision of an adult who is either a parent, guardian, or designated representative during their entire employment. This includes when they live away from home because it’s required as an incident of the employment.