Friday, February 26 | Compassionate Performer Workshop
Learning from Experts. Preparing for Real-World Interactions.
The Compassionate Performer Workshop brings together professionals from specialized fields whose expertise helps performers better understand the people they serve and respond more thoughtfully to meaningful, sensitive and unexpected situations.
Our February program features two complementary areas of education: understanding the needs of children and families through guidance from Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, followed by hands-on improvisation training with Amber Nash and Kevin Gillese.
Each session offers a different perspective, with practical knowledge and skills performers can carry into their future interactions.
Detailed agenda and additional workshop information coming soon.
Internationally Accomplished Improv Artists and Instructors
With decades of professional experience performing, teaching and leading improvisational theatre, Amber Nash and Kevin Gillese bring exceptional talent and expertise to the Compassionate Performer Workshop.
Together, they will lead an engaging, hands-on improv workshop designed to strengthen skills that extend beyond the stage. Through interactive exercises, attendees will practice active listening, thinking on their feet, adapting to unexpected situations and responding naturally without relying on a script.
Whether new to improv or experienced onstage, performers will develop practical skills to remain present, flexible and confident when interactions don't go as planned—skills that can make a meaningful difference in the experiences they create for others.
Amber Nash
Improv Performer, Instructor & Voice Actor
Amber Nash has been performing and teaching improv for more than 25 years, with appearances throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. Best known as the voice of Pam Poovey on the Emmy Award-winning animated series Archer, Amber began her career in Atlanta's improv community. Her extensive experience as a performer, teacher, director and creator brings a wealth of knowledge and creativity to the classroom.
Kevin Gillese
Improv Performer, Instructor & Former Artistic Director of Dad's Garage Theatre
Kevin Gillese began his improv career with Rapid Fire Theatre in Edmonton, Canada, where he later served as artistic director. In 2010, he moved to Atlanta to lead Dad's Garage Theatre, serving as its artistic director for ten years. His international experience includes performing and teaching throughout Canada, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, along with work in writing, producing, film and live comedy.
Christmas Performers Workshop #3 puts performers into carefully designed vignettes based on situations they may encounter throughout the season—from home visits and corporate events to tree lightings, media appearances, and unexpected conversations. Through filmed exercises, guided evaluation, and supportive peer coaching, attendees will gain a clearer understanding of how preparation, timing, body language, adaptability, and character choices shape each experience.
This is an active, hands-on workshop where performers can experiment, recognize opportunities for improvement, and develop skills they can carry into every engagement. Attendees will leave better prepared, more confident, and ready to deliver stronger, more memorable performances.
Come prepared to participate, be challenged, and take your performance to the next level.
Sat-Sun, Feb 27-28 | CPW #3: Turbo Charge & Vignettes
Robert Seutter | Santa True
Workshop Lead
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.
