Open call question

Hello everyone!
I'm planning on attending an open call for a non-union tour in a couple of weeks. The character breakdown calls for one of the youngest characters to be 16. Now, nothing on the announcement specifically said "no one under 18 will be seen" ect. so I figured, being 16 and VERY mature looking (I'm told this nearly everyday) I would attend. It may be a longshot, but anything can happen!
My question is, will they immediately turn me away?
I know non-equity does not require the same strict child labor laws as Equity does and I've even heard of 16-17 year olds playing Cosette/Eponine ect. on Broadway as well as roles in Cats.
What are your thoughts? Should I risk it?
Thanks for reading and God bless,
Chay =]

If they explicitly added no one under 18 will be seen, they put it in there for a reason. Don't waste your/their time.

Nope, nothing said "No one under 18 will be accepted" on the casting call, but I wasn't sure if it was simply expected of the actors to assume that if you're under 18, don't waste your time.
Does anyone know what under 18 rules are for non-equity, especially tours?
I work at a regional theatre that often uses teenagers to play supporting/leading roles (they just had a 17 year-old play GiGi in Miss Saigon!)so I'm assuming rules for this tour shoudln't be any different.

Updated On: 5/6/07 at 03:35 PM

The problem on this one could end up being that it is a TOUR! Unless it is "Oliver" ,"Secret Garden" or a show that has a specific call for a "child actor", then they will probably NOT consider you, for insurance purposes. Minors are a touchy subject when you put them in a group of adults and no one wants invite trouble in the name of "neglect", "working too many hours without the proper paperwork",or even worse molestation of various kinds. Even if they need a 16 year old,there are usually no shortage of "over 18's that can "play younger".You may not mind signing on the dotted line, and I realize you may look older but the fact is that you are what it says on your birth certificate and I would think that chances are slim to none that they would even consider you. Keep looking around for something local and good luck!

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