'Child Wrangler' or 'Child Guardian'

[sudsysophie97]

Posted: 12/28/14 at 8:12am

How do you become a 'child wrangler' or child guardian for children in a musical? I have experience with musicals and have been a dancer all my life. I have done student teaching at my dance studio so have had experience helping younger students back stage at concerts as well as making sure they all get on stage in time, costume changes, drink water, go to the bathroom etc. before reuniting them with their parents at the end of the show. I have always been interested in being a 'child wrangler' but have no idea how? Could anyone help me and give me advice of how to become one? Thank you :))

[devonian.t]

Posted: 12/29/14 at 9:41am

If you think the term 'child wrangler' applies, you're maybe not best suited to the job...

[DeNada]

Posted: 12/31/14 at 6:13am

Child wrangler is the correct term - at least in TV! Probably more of an Americanism.

You'll more commonly see them described as "chaperones" here in the UK, though. You'll need to get a license from the local council (don't know where the OP is based, though, so I can't advise on the right person to speak to there - but most council websites have a section on child employment and chaperoning).

Beyond that, from a theatrical perspective I think the best bet is to either write directly to production companies doing shows involving kids, or get in touch with someone like Jo Hawes who handles children's casting and administration across a huge variety of West End shows and handles chaperone recruitment on many of them - http://johawes.com/?page_id=135

I'm afraid I can't offer any more help than that - a quick google of "chaperone jobs" turns up some more avenues you could go through like chaperoning agencies such as Max Callum or similar.