PA · child performers
Pennsylvania minor entertainment work permit
Federal FLSA exempts child performers from the federal age and hour minimums (29 USC § 213(c)(3); 29 CFR § 570.122), leaving the regulation to each state. Pennsylvania runs a dedicated minor-entertainment framework with a state-issued permit, age-banded time-on-set caps, and on-set requirements. Below is the full Pennsylvania framework, drawn from the state labor code and the issuing agency's guidance.
Quick facts
- Permit required
- Yes
- Min performer age
- No minimum
- Studio teacher
- Required
- Schooling on set
- 3 hr / school day
- Trust account
- Required (15% of gross)
- Last verified
The Child Performer Permit
Issued by: Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, Bureau of Labor Law Compliance
Pennsylvania requires the permit before a minor performer reports to set. Pre-production notice to the state labor agency is the first step; the permit is tied to the individual minor, not the production, so a minor on multiple productions needs the permit current for each engagement.
How Pennsylvania actually enforces this
Pennsylvania's Child Labor Act of 2012 incorporates the prior Performance of Minors Act. A separate Child Performer Permit (distinct from the general LLC-1 work permit) is required, and 15% of a minor performer's gross compensation must be deposited in a blocked trust account established by the parent or guardian, accessible at age 18. A teacher or tutor must be provided when production overlaps the compulsory school day (typically 3 hours of schooling per school day). The PA Department of Labor & Industry's Bureau of Labor Law Compliance reviews and issues each permit application. Verify current trust-account procedure and permit requirements with PA L&I before production starts.
Citation
Pennsylvania Child Labor Act of 2012, 43 P.S. §§ 40.1–40.16 (child performer provisions); 34 Pa. Code Chapter 11 (performance of minors)