Christmas Performer Workshops

CPW at ISC 2024

You will need Adobe Reader (or similar program) to open/read the attachments linked below. As new handouts are sent to Cat and True, we will post them as quickly as possible. Thank you everyone who came to meet us and chat at ISC Memphis 2024.

Robert Seutter, Santa True

  • Fri Apr 26, 1:30 PM-2:15 PM, Session 4A: Robert Seutter: The Future of the Claus-Verse
    • Where is our artform headed and how can we guide it? We have a unique legacy in our artform, yet many of the things we were concerned about only a few decades ago have changed. What challenges do we face today? Your last gig can be on the internet before you get back to your car. How will malls survive against Amazon Prime? New technology, social media platforms, and AI are going to change the game as we know it.
    • Downloadable Handout: Future of the Claus Verse
  • Sat Apr 27, 9:45-10:30 AM, Session 9A: Robert Seutter: Storytelling: The Secret Ingredient
    • Christmas exists because of Stories. In this workshop, learn about how history, myths, legends, and more empower us. Using our storytelling skills, we create our back stories, the North Pole, and inform our characters. And all the skills we use as a storyteller (vocals, mime, improv, physicality, and more) are the same skills we use to bring our characters to life. Never want to run out of content? Become a great storyteller.
    • Downloadable Handout: Storytelling – The Secret Ingredient
  • Sat Apr 27, 1:30 PM-2:15 PM, Session 11A: Robert Seutter: The Art of Engagement: Bring the Energy
    • Bring on the fun! Engage your audience with Call and Response, Interactive songs and stories, dance, rhymes, and patter. From the smallest home visit to the biggest staged event, we need to be able to engage our audiences and create a sense of rapport and play. We’ll have tips on vocals, physicality, stage presence, character work, and much more.
    • Downloadable Handout: The Art of Engagement
  • Sun Apr 28, 9:45-10:30 AM, Session 16A: Robert Seutter: Storytelling: The Secret Ingredient
    • Christmas exists because of Stories. In this workshop, learn about how history, myths, legends, and more empower us. Using our storytelling skills, we create our back stories, the North Pole, and inform our characters. And all the skills we use as a storyteller (vocals, mime, improv, physicality, and more) are the same skills we use to bring our characters to life. Never want to run out of content? Become a great storyteller.
    • Downloadable Handout: Storytelling – The Secret Ingredient

Rachel King and Ronnie King

  • Fri Apr 26, 8:45-9:30 AM, Session 1A: Rachel King: Flying Solo as Mrs. Claus
    • Join us for a live solo performance as the kickoff to discussing and planning for Solo Mrs. Claus. We’ll look at how to create a solo program, developing your character and separate identity. Not just for Mrs. Claus or the women, this is applicable to all of us. Learn to create confidence and stage presence. We’ll talk about resources and tools to develop your show, roles and responsibilities of the independent performer, plus equality in pay and performance expectations. Costuming for Events: Clothing Matters. Finally, create shows for small and large events and managing audiences.
  • Fri Apr 26, 9:45-10:30 AM, Session 2A: Rachel King: Working with Photographers and Creating that Photo Magic Together
    • A behind-the-scenes insight to understanding how photo sessions and sets work. What’s expected of a Claus on sets? How sessions, sets, and audiences are designed and conducted; Understanding your audiences; Do’s and Don’ts live on set; Legal issues; Developing marketing packages, and many more details.
  • Fri Apr 26, 3:30 PM-4:15 PM, Session 6A: Ronnie King: Understanding the Modern DBS (Designer Bearded Santa)
    • Someone may choose to be a Designer Bearded Santa (DBS) because of work, health, genetics, or bleaching disasters. What are the advantages of being a DBS? We’ll address tips for transition from real beard to DBS, understanding beard types and styles available, and methods for applying and wearing a beard. What about having a Designer Beard as a back-up option? Find the look that is right for you.
  • Fri Apr 26, 4:30 PM-5:15 PM, Session 7A: Ronnie King and Rachel King: The Duo-Solo Performance and Knowing What Your Client Wants
    • This workshop is designed to provide Christmas Performers with concepts and ideas for conducting team-style events, from short home visits to large scale public events. Learn to discuss the wants and needs of your client so you can provide a “menu of activities” to tailor and shape your team for their event. Help your client understand your skill set and talents to expand their vision. Practice to present planned and improvisational activities, the important entrance and exit, and a full event flow. Dial your performance from small to large crowds.

Natasha Spencer-Coley

  • Sat Apr 27, 9:45-10:30 AM, Session 9B: Natasha Spencer-Coley: Social Claus
    • Build your brand and increase your marketing reach by leveraging your social media channels. Participants will learn basic technical skills and will even create content during the session!
    • Downloadable Slides: The Social Claus
    • Downloadable Handout: Simple Social Media Plan
  • Sat Apr 27, 10:45-11:30 AM, Session 10A: Natasha Spencer-Coley: Miracle on Diversity Street
    • Working with diverse populations may seem easy on the surface, but today’s kids require a nimbler approach. This workshop will be presented by an African-American Mrs. Claus with over 20 years of experience working with and performing for audiences. Participants will learn to work with diverse audiences from a culturally competent point of view, practice appropriate banter and gain tips on improvisation for children of all ages, and practice The Claus Standards with continuity of character.

Lori Dinwiddie and James Dinwiddie

  • Sat Apr 27, 1:30 PM-2:15 PM, Session 11B: Lori Dinwiddie: The Incredible Mrs. Claus
    • Attendees will be taught to help them find their special skill that they each have and how to use it to make their Mrs. Claus standout! Lori will present ideas on to gain confidence, how to sell yourself, marketing ideas, plus home party ideas to extend the season and make more money. We will also discuss finding “your look,” how to create costumes for each type of event, and develop your social media presence. Finally, we’ll look at home visits and how to avoid pitfalls.
  • Sat Apr 27, 3:30 PM-4:15 PM, Session 13B: Lori Dinwiddie and James Dinwiddie: Santa and Mrs. Claus Working Together as a Team
    • How would you create a team back story? In class, we’ll discuss the importance of having the same answers as your partners and how to interact with each other to create a seemless rapport that is magical. We’ll also discuss how to get your clients to pay more and want Mrs. Claus by Santa’s side. Each attendee will be given the tools they need to walk into a classroom, home, or event and be able to answer all the questions tossed at us and how to spin a tale of wonder and Christmas Magic for all.
  • Sun Apr 28, 8:45-9:30 AM, Session 15A: Lori Dinwiddie and James Dinwiddie: Everything that Santa and Mrs. Claus Need to Know About Cookies
    • Check out the history of Christma cookies, why we leave milk and cookies for Santa, how many calories Santa burns during his gift giving marathon, along with how many cookies and glasses of milk he requires to sustain him. We’ll look at Christmas cookies, their origin, varities, and how to use the informatiom to elevate an interaction during our season to become a life-long memory.