Minor Mers

[Kishiko]

Hi Mers!

i wanted to ask you all your opinion about something: minor mers. (I.e under 18 mers) specifically those wanting to do paying gigs.

first some info: I was approached by a local ren faire to perform about a Month or two ago. They have now requested a price quote lost for different levels of performances and costs. I really want. To do this, but I'm also quite worried About legal stuff.

So, what is your thoughts on minors performing as mermaids?

[Fun123joker]

im have no experience at all nor am i far from your age but just by option i say make sure you figure out how much help you have and how much people you have to handle. it matters how young the mer is and how big the occasion is. just responsibility wise. for me mermaiding is just a hobby and i dont plan on doing gigs

[AniaR]

What is the legal working age? Here it is 16 and drinking age is 19. Mers we hire that are under 19 need a special legal letter to work events where alcohol is served but that's the only stipulation. For contract work like performing you can have someone as young as 15. Ama worked with us at 15. Check your state labor laws

[Mermaid Wesley]

Legal working age is 18 in the states,(I'm almost sure it's the same all over the us) 16 if you get this form thing filled out from your school. Any time before that it would have to be an under the table payment probably with someone you know and trust so you don't get scammed. Either that or wait until you are of working age. Sorry girlie!


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[Mermaid Momo]

Legal working age is 18 in the states,(I'm almost sure it's the same all over the us) 16 if you get this form thing filled out from your school. Any time before that it would have to be an under the table payment probably with someone you know and trust so you don't get scammed. Either that or wait until you are of working age. Sorry girlie!


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I thought 16 was legal working age? I got a job at 16 without having my school fill out papers, but another worker under 16 had to get them. I think work places just can't have you work more than a certain number of hours a week/day.

[Kishiko]

Okay so good news! I thought the working age here was 14 (we own a restaurant so my mom Knew lol) and I checked the labor laws for the state and sure enough! You are supposed to get a work permit/certificate so I think I may see if my mom can go by the courthouse and find out about that. With the per once age, it says you need a permit from the director but it's not like I have a company (like Halifax mers for example) so I'm not sure about that. Thanks for the help though!

[Mermaid Momo]

Okay so good news! I thought the working age here was 14 (we own a restaurant so my mom Knew lol) and I checked the labor laws for the state and sure enough! You are supposed to get a work permit/certificate so I think I may see if my mom can go by the courthouse and find out about that. With the per once age, it says you need a permit from the director but it's not like I have a company (like Halifax mers for example) so I'm not sure about that. Thanks for the help though!
I think the director in this case will be your mom or another guardian.

[Kishiko]

That's kind of what I'm thinking. I think I'll get a signed release from both parents and also one from our county clerk, or whoever needs to sign one.

EDIT: Also if anyone wants to read it here's the child labor laws for my state
http://www.moga.mo.gov/STATUTES/C294.HTM

[Seatan]

Yeah legal age in Texas is 16. Half of my seniors have jobs. Though I would say it would depend on whether it is an actual business versus a paid gig. I mean, kids under 16 can mow lawns and babysit and stuff, so I see no reason why you couldn't do gigs without being legally employed.

[Aquarianne]

Many of the princesses at our character company are high school age, usually around 15-16 or older. I had a job at 15 myself, when I was in high school. You just need a work permit and you'll be perfectly fine! As Raina said, laws apply about you working around alcohol or after certain hours of the day, but I'm sure you can work it out to your satisfaction!

[Theta]

Also check your state's child performer laws, which might be slightly different than regular labor laws.

[AniaR]

Also check your state's child performer laws, which might be slightly different than regular labor laws.

Yes, I know Nova Scotia has different laws. Because we are huge with the film industry there's a lot of kids and junior workers etc. And I also know because mermaiding is essentially under the table work in the non-illegal sense (contract work) there are different rules for contractors than casual, part time, or full time employees.