Day 3 of 3: Class Announcement for the 2012 Academy (Santa Claus!)

[Ryan Johnson]

The spirit of Christmas is epitomized in one very iconic figure: Santa Claus! We’ve had classes on Santa at three previous Academy events with two very good real-bearded Santas. It has been fantastic to see and hear about those professionals who make memories at corporate events, parties and malls across Texas. But what about the beginner Santa? What about the people (like many of us!) who don’t grow the real beard? What about doing this for fun or charity and not for any type of profit? How do you get started and become a Santa like this?

In 2012 the Academy is bringing a series of classes all about Becoming Santa, starting at square one. Whether you have never been Santa but have always wanted to don the big red suit, or you have been Santa in the past but want to get better, we hope to make this an experience that you can take away from and help bring smiles to your display visitors and other holiday festivities.

Santa 101: The Very Basics (Including the History of Claus)
Where do you start when you want to become Santa Claus? The best place to start is always at the beginning. We’ll kick things off by learning who Santa Claus is, where the legend came from, and what it means to become the most photographed celebrity in the world. The basics of being Santa start right here.

The Magic Suit
“In putting on the suit and entering the sleigh, the wearer waives any and all right to any previous identity, real or implied, and fully accepts the duties and responsibilities of Santa Claus, in perpetuity to which some time the wearer becomes unable to do so, by either accident or design.” This famous line from the classic film “The Santa Clause” perfectly sums up this course. It’s not a costume, it’s a suit and the powers it possesses are purely magical. This class will help you with suits: styles, materials, quality and resources for purchasing one of your own. There is much more to a Santa suit than the price tag; it’s truly about the person inside the suit that makes the magic come alive.

Beard, Wigs, Mustaches & Make Up
You have your suit and you’re starting to feel like Santa. Up next is what to do about your face (and head). With so many different options and styles of beards out there it can be hard to pick the best one for you. This class will show you the various options and where to buy them. Also, we will show you methods of applying a glue-on beard and mustache and even how to add a little make up so your cheeks glow a bit in your photos.

Dealing with Kids & Parents
Regardless of when you do your Santa Claus gig there are two things you’ll have to face: Kids and (even worse sometimes) their parents. Most are perfectly nice and respectful of your Santa-ness but then there are the ones that you will never forget… and not for good reasons! We’ll discuss how to handle those tough crowds and even tougher questions that come with the territory.

Photographs: Do's & Don’ts
When you put on the suit you become the big guy and a major part of that is getting your photo taken. You’ll have big kids and little kids, shy kids and rude kids, children with special needs, entire families and even pets! We’ll cover how to be a good Santa “model”, tips for getting the best from a photographer, and what to do when things don’t go quite the way you planned.

Accessories to Enhance Santa
Your image is complete: your suit fits just right and feels comfortable. You look in the mirror and see yourself with a full beard and a twinkle in your eye. You know the history of Santa, how to interact with people and get great photos. So what else could you do to make an unforgettable experience for your visitors? This course will offer ideas and best practices that will get your mind moving.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TODAY

[Al in Raleigh]

Why was this posted 3 separate times? This could have been posted in one thread.

[Ryan Johnson]

Just saw this reply. It was posted three different days and was three distinct topics. Feel free to manage the postings however you choose- combine them, remove them. Choice is yours.

We'll make sure not to make any further postings concerning the Academy on Christmas Carolina, even though we've had a relationship with this group from it's beginnings. That's too bad in my opinion. For those of you that are attending or are thinking of it you should keep an eye on the website.

Best of luck to everyone here.

[Brad Caudill]

why don't you cry about it.. He just was stating a fact. No need to take your ball and go home.

[Ryan Johnson]

Brad- We've experienced this over the years when we get nailed for posting too much but then we get the flip side when we don't share the info for others. It's such a double edged sword. I just don't have the energy to have that happen anymore. It's clear that the multiple posts weren't something welcomed and so I don't want to step on anyone's toes or create a situation so it's better to direct folks to the website and let them get their info there. We already have a few from the Carolina area so everyone is welcome. I think enough details have been shared for people to know about it and make a decision to attend or not.

Now, since you shot at me personally: as someone who has "known" you on these forums for years (and are friends on Facebook), what's with the nasty comment? This is exactly what I'm trying to avoid by leaving the postings off of CC. If their not in line with the tone and culture of a particular online community then they shouldn't be posted there. There's no "crying" or "taking my ball" anywhere.