The Man Behind the Beard
When I began my career as a Santa Claus representative, easily accessible resources were scarce. I was unable to find a site that had tutorials, written instruction, and mentorship all wrapped up into one package, especially on subjects and topics I needed immediate answers about. It wasn't until my third season that I was officially invited into the Christmas performer community and found some limited online instruction.
With my experience as a film student and a few seasons under my belt, I began making videos on YouTube documenting my journey, helpful resources, and my take on Santa Claus. These videos were part of a small video series entitled "Secrets of Being Santa." The following year, "The Jr. Claus Workshop" (now "the Santa Claus Workshop") was officially underway and dozens of more episodes were produced and occasionally featured other Santa Claus representatives.
The whole purpose of the Workshop is to provide a place of instruction for those just starting out who may not have the budget or time to take off from work and attend a Santa School in person. The instruction contained on the website is practical, accessible around the globe, features the latest instruction on virtual experiences, and is driven by a passion to improve the image of Santa Claus worldwide.
It is my hope that this platform will help provide enough basic Santa Claus education to raise awareness in performers to increase their skill and craft when portraying and representing the most cherished figure in holiday history.
- Stuart Deacon Jr., aka Santa Stuart
How it Started
Born in the UK, Stuart Deacon Jr. loved dressing up in his red shirt, snow boots, and Santa hat to imitate the visitor he saw each Christmas. His family moved to Idaho, USA where for the next 15 years he would brave the brisk wind and cold weather. After spending two years as a religious volunteer in the Fresno, California valley, Stuart returned to his home state where he would attend Brigham Young University - Idaho.
Stuart commenced his journey as a professional Santa Claus the following June. With much research and effort, Stuart dawned the red coat to serve Rexburg and the surrounding areas as the “Rexburg Santa Claus.” Not long after that, Stuart built a massive custom sleigh he hauled around on a trailer to different events and home visits. As a film student, Stuart began to produce photos and videos of his Santa Claus journey for different class assignments. He documented his progress of sewing his own Santa suits and mistakes and successes when styling his traditional hair pieces. Reporting and creating media for his classes challenged Stuart to grow the brand of “the Jr. Claus Workshop” online and reach a much broader audience than before.
With graduation in 2020, Stuart created this website as his senior project. After long days at school and work, Stuart made time to write episodes and film them during the quiet evenings and weekends. When the site went live in May of 2020, there was over 3 hours of content in topical episodes with helpful information for beginner Santa Clauses.
Stuart now resides in the Houston, Texas area and works as a video editor for a creative video agency.
Speaker & Presenter
If you'd like Stuart to present at, make a video for, or attend an in-person school or event, fill out the contact form!
Stuart has attended the Lone Star Santa's Roundup, taught at ProSantaSchool: Advanced Studies, and presented at the 2022 School of Santas via video.
