I just noticed the posting for "Store Santa's.I know times are tough but really is that considered professional acting now.Im still laughing.Though the pay is quite good in fairness,"cough""mumble"just going to get my cv.:)
Ok so I asked my husband. What is he? He's a builder.
'What do you think of playing Santa Claus for an actor? I say
'You mean like in Debenhams?' He says
'Yes' I say
'Not the best role for an actor - but at the end of the day you gotta pay your bills haven't you.'
The Santa employer is clearly looking for an actor to play Santa, so surely sites like CCP are the ideal place to advertise.
If you are being paid to perform then surely that is a much more "Professional acting job" than much of the profit-share stuff you see on here.
The business has changed hugely over the last decade or so, and acting work now encompasses so much more than theatre, TV or film. Lets embrace all these new forms of employment - and traditional ones like the Xmas Grotto.
What appeals to one actor does not appeal to another (Thank God!) but let's not get snobbish about what we consider to be gainful employment.
Although I don't put it on my CV (nor commercials) I have been a Santa. It requires great concentration, the ability to stay in role for hours on end, and above all else the ability to improvise. Nowadays you are rarely hidden from view and the way you interact with individuals changes all the time, from the overawed child to the teasing old ladies via Hijab wearing women with their kids. As far as casting goes it does need much more in the way of acting skills than many of the type-casting commercial castings. When approached in the right spirit is is very similar to Street Theatre or even Forum Theatre. What it should not do is be called laughable, that really does show a great lack of imagination.
I don't know...I leave this forum whilst away filming...and you all start squabbling!! Is this just a case of Handbags at Dawn or Santa sacks at the ready!
I read this thread with interest and felt I had to post!!
I got my equity card years ago in the days when you had to have one to do anything…and then it was only a provisional card….you still had to gain paid contracts to get the full card!! I believe Equity cards are avail at garages and in cereal packets now?!!
I never trained as an actor….I started out by writing and staging a Children's show with my friend...who also wanted her Equity card. I wrote a little crazy show Hansel and Grettle in Nursery Rhyme land…and between us…one was in front of the screen doing something…whilst the other was behind the screen getting ready as the next character. We sometimes did 2-3 1 hr shows in a day…and we charged the clients £50 each I think. It wasn't great money considering we had so much gear…costumes and props to cart around! However, I can honestly say….the close contact with Kids…was/is the hardest work I have encountered in this business. Kids take no prisoners when it comes to performers…..there is nowhere to hide!
Once we gained our cards we were able to drop the work and then I did a year or so of Extra Work to fulfil the paid contracts needed to get the full card as well as other little bits and bobs all of which were paid and counted…..eventually the full card was gained…and on the advice of a good agent who took me on….I dropped the Extra work too.
My point: One should never knock (perhaps even tease) those who take gigs like Santa ….coz trust me…its very rewarding and fulfilling and above all….some of the best impro training/experience you will ever gain as an actor. It's also a paid gig….and no actor should allow themselves to turn down paid work on offer if they have nothing else to earn that month. Better to be a Santa and buy the family some presents and a roast Turkey for Christmas day….than do unpaid work and not even be able to afford the stamp for a card!
I'm sure Stephen wasn't having a hard proper crack at actors playing Santa's….and I am sure Nigel (who is very handsome!) wasn't really slamming Stephens CV! Nobody is better than anybody in this business, no matter how long one has been an actor. One thing I have learned over the years as an actor….its about surviving and paying your way! Also, this business is like a village ….everyone knows everybody……one needs to be careful about what we put on these forums and the like…inc Facebook and Twitter…..whilts I will defend certain subjects and or stand up for what I believe in….it's never a good idea to simply slam others, or slam the castings and or what each other does/has done……you never know when you might meet/need them further down the line when they have become an important Casting Director….agent or big shot actor or director!
My advice is do whatever it is you feel you need to do….but don't always assume it's the right and or only choice….coz all our situations are different. Yesterday I was on feature film set…and had a great laugh chatting away with the Extras, the crew and set drivers, as well as the director and my fellow main cast. We all fart….we all have red blood…we all breathe the same air as each other but above all we are all trying to make a living!
Someone once said: life isn't about just holding the good cards, but playing the ones you have well.
Best to all.
What started this whole thread is the question "should Santa jobs be posted here?", the answer is yes, any venue worth their salt will want their Santa to be able to interact with the kids, think on their feet, and be able to react (in character) with any comments such as the ones quoted here. The logical place to post is a performers site not a site for temps. I used to do panto for years but now always do Santa through choice, I am afraid I do not miss the manic Boxing Day drive back to the theatre!, and I defy anyone not to enjoy the Ministry of Fun's famous "Santa School" which I have taken part in for many years! At all the locations I have worked all the Santa's have been performers.Murder Mysteries, Living History, Roleplay,Scare Attractions and Museum Theatre have all been posted on CCP and while they may not appeal to everyone they are all legitimate ways for actors to use their skills. Plus Santa never retires!! Ho Ho Ho Play Nicely now!
I would like to thank everyone(even you nigel)for your response,and i must admit that i hadnt really looked at the actual performance aspect of playing santa,but having read some of the santa veterans posts,i think i grasp what a serious acting job it is.When i saw the casting call i was incredulous that such a thing should be posted but i see how rash and how inexpierienced in some acting aspects i may be.
Needless to say when i meet the physical charataristics i will apply(at the moment i look more like a tall skinny elf).
A special thanks for marks post,very useful.
This year will be my fifth as Santa 3 years of which are in the same place Frias Square Aylesbury,it always pays for my Christmas and is always a firm booking, no penciled in or last minute cancellations!!!I find that the adults usually get as much fun and at times more than the children,and may I add that at Frias Square there is no charge even for the gifts.
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