The Santa Claus Path: Tips for aspiring Santa Clauses in the workshop

The Santa Claus Path: Tips for aspiring Santa Clauses in the workshop

Last weekend an exciting Santa Claus workshop took place in Europapark Rust, which is located in the Archdiocese of Freiburg. Organized by the Bonifatiuswerk, the workshop was led by Martin Wangler, who is known as a TV and theater actor. The aim of the workshop was to prepare prospective Santa Clauses for the special requirements of their role and to give them valuable tips along the way.

Wangler explained that when playing the role of Santa Claus, a friendlier and outgoing approach is key. “It is important that you always approach the children in a friendly manner and that you are sociable,” says Wangler. He also emphasized that a passion for acting is necessary to authentically embody the character of Santa Claus.

Target groups and challenges

The workshop attracted both experienced Santa Clauses, some of whom have been active as such for over 50 years, as well as new performers. Wangler tried to introduce the participants to the craft of acting. An important aspect is to become aware of your own identity - “who I am, where do I come from?”

Wangler gave the participants specific instructions on how to authentically play the role. For example, you could consider whether you would come from heaven as Santa Claus on a sleigh or, more realistically, on a bicycle, in order to adapt to today's times. “You have to be able to improvise in different situations,” emphasized Wangler, who also discussed the different target groups that Santa Clauses will address.

His advice for the Santa Clauses: "You need a certain amount of training because your contact with people can be different. You are an actor and a director at the same time and you have to improvise." In a nursing home, for example, someone might be afraid of Santa Claus while another might be emotionally overwhelmed. “Ultimately the conversation is the most important thing,” added Wangler.

The role of Santa Claus in a modern context

Martin Wangler, who plays Santa Claus in his hometown of Breitnau in the Black Forest, sees this role as an act and a role play. It's always exciting for him because many people around him know him from television. In order to bring the figure of St. Nicholas closer to the children, he tries to convey to them the history and meaning of the saint. Wangler explained: “I try to convey to the children that after such a long time, you still remember a person who did really good things.”

The role of Santa Claus remains important today, especially in a society where children are often preoccupied with electronic media. “It’s a gift when Santa Claus comes and listens to the children,” he said. Moments like this, when children want to hug Santa, show him that he is doing a good job.

In the coming weeks, the focus will also be on Santa Claus, who is often associated with advertising. Wangler said he also addressed this topic in the workshop to help children understand the difference between St. Nicholas and Santa Claus.

To find out more about the background of Santa Claus, you can visit www.domradio.de inform.