Friday, October 2, 2026
Compassionate Performer Workshop
Join The Sleigh Society for a special day of education focused on preparing performers for sensitive, meaningful and unexpected interactions.
Featuring professionals and subject matter experts from healthcare and community organizations, Friday’s sessions will explore real-world topics that help performers engage with greater awareness, empathy, confidence and care.
Saturday & Sunday, October 2-3, 2026
Christmas Performer Workshop #2:
Advanced Storytelling & Character Work
Take your character beyond the expected.
Led by Santa True (also known as True Thomas the Storyteller), this immersive weekend workshop explores advanced storytelling, character development and performance techniques designed to help Christmas performers create more engaging, memorable and authentic experiences.
Hilton Atlanta/Marietta Hotel &
Conference Center
500 Powder Springs Street, Marietta, GA
February 26-28, 2027
Christmas Performer Workshop #3:
Turbo Charge & Vignettes
Building on the foundation of Christmas Performers Workshops, this three-day educational experience will bring together specialized instruction, professional performance techniques and hands-on learning designed to strengthen confidence, character and connection.
Friday will feature a focused Compassionate Performer workshop along with professional improv instruction, followed by a weekend of advanced performance education with Santa True.
Hilton Atlanta/Marietta Hotel &
Conference Center
500 Powder Springs Street, Marietta, GA
Coming in Fall
of 2027
Compassionate Performer Symposium
The Compassionate Performer Symposium is The Sleigh Society's premier educational initiative focused on creating safer, more compassionate and meaningful experiences for children, families and seniors.
By bringing child-facing performers together with healthcare professionals, educators, and industry subject matter experts, the Symposium provides practical, evidence-informed education for navigating sensitive and complex interactions with greater awareness, empathy and confidence.
Topics include neurodiversity, trauma-informed care, mental health, serious illness, hospice and palliative care, grief and bereavement, and inclusive engagement and performer emotional well-being.
Date/Location TBA
Tuition & Fees
Single — $300
Double — $500
Conference registration cut off date for October workshop is September 24th
Registration Includes
Three days of classes, workshops & roundtables
Networking & Fellowship
Friday, Saturday & Sunday lunches, beverages, and snacks
Dinner on your own Friday & Saturday evening (pay for your own meal)
*Please note, registration does NOT include hotel reservations. To reserve your room, please click HOTEL INFO above.
General Schedule
Thursday - Early Check-In & Networking
Friday – Check-In | Workshops 9am-5pm | Lunch Included
Possible Planned Dinner Outing (TBA) | (Pay for your own meal)
Saturday – Classes from 9am-5pm | Lunch Included
Dinner On Your Own | (Pay for your own meal)
Sunday – Classes from 9am-5pm | Lunch Included
Snacks & beverages will be provided daily.
Meet Your Instructor
Robert Seutter spent over 30 years as a spoken-word storyteller before becoming a Christmas performer in 2014 as Santa True. Recognizing the need for professional training, he and his partner Cat Ellen founded Christmas Performer Workshops™ (CPW) in 2015. True now mentors Christmas performers worldwide, sharing his love for Christmas lore, history, and traditions while advancing skill training.
A Marine Corps veteran and USC Cinema graduate, True is also a published Sci-Fi and Fantasy author and an avid historical reenactor. He is dedicated to seeing Christmas performing recognized as a true art form and continues to inspire joy for future generations.
Santa True was inducted into the International Santa Claus Hall of Fame – December 2024.
About CPW Training
Christmas performing is a unique art that combines storytelling, improvisation, and character development to create truly memorable experiences. As the field grows, so does the need for skilled performers who bring authenticity and heart to their roles.
The best investment you can make is in yourself as a performer! Christmas Performer Workshops (CPW) offers comprehensive, performance-focused training tailored to every experience level. With over 40 hours of evolving instruction, CPW delivers practical training in performance technique, character work, and audience engagement. Alumni enjoy free lifetime access to online resources, videos, and an active network dedicated to advancing the art of Christmas performance.
For more info on CPW, go to christmasperformerworkshops.com
