Know Your Audience (2027)
This advanced seminar will focus on the various special audiences Santa, Mrs. Claus and holiday performers often encounter. In addition to providing information on and suggestions for the various groups and settings, participants will share their own experiences and strategies.
While there will be opportunities to discuss all groups, sessions will focus on the following audiences:
Toddlers & Preschool Children: Taking a look at typical childhood development, the group will explore what techniques work best to connect with children of various ages in schools, daycare centers, public events and homes. Appropriate activities, songs and stories for different age groups will be discussed.
Elderly: At the other end of the spectrum are Santa’s visits to nursing homes, elderly housing and senior citizen events. Ideas for activities, conversations and interactions will be shared. Interacting with those with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia will also be addressed.
Special Needs: Working with children and adults with autism, developmental disabilities, Down syndrome, behavioral issues and other conditions will be covered. The session will discuss different conditions, how to identify them and strategies for interaction.
Deaf & Blind: Techniques for connecting with blind or deaf children and adults will be offered. Simple sign language in the Santa setting will be shared and practiced.
Hospitals, Hospice & Health Issues: Visiting with the sick, disabled or dying, is a special challenge but one that can be very rewarding. The session will look at the practical requirements and emotional demands required for these types of visits. Those experienced in this area will offer their advice on how to prepare, ideas for interactions, strategies for coping with the emotional aspects and other unique elements.
Participants should have completed an introductory Santa/Mrs. Claus course of some kind and have two or more years experience with numerous appearances as Santa. If space allows, those will less experience may be allowed to participate.