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Create Unforgettable Holiday Magic with Central Ohio's Premier Santa Experience
With professional training from the Charles W. Howard Santa School, the International University of Santa Claus, and mastery of Santaology, Santa Ben brings authenticity, expertise, and enchantment to every event. His dedication to growth goes beyond Claus courses—he also pursues improv, body language communication, and presence and movement classes, embracing the skills expected of seasoned actors and performers. As founder of the Master Claus Academy and Ohio Santas organization, Ben leads Central Ohio’s Christmas performer community while upholding the highest standards of professionalism, safety, and magical storytelling. Trusted by over 150 families and businesses, Santa Ben’s unwavering commitment to excellence ensures every visit becomes an unforgettable memory.
Signature Credentials & Milestones
Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School
The Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School is the oldest and most respected Santa training program in the world. Founded by Charles W. Howard, a legendary Santa and mentor, the school offers immersive, hands-on training that covers every facet of the Santa role—from costume and makeup to storytelling and child engagement. Known as the “Harvard of Santa Schools,” it attracts Santas from across the globe who seek to master the art and tradition of Santa Claus. The intensive courses focus on professionalism, authenticity, and the timeless spirit of Christmas, providing graduates with the skills and confidence to deliver truly magical experiences. Completing this program is a hallmark of dedication and excellence in the Santa community.
Attended in 2022
International University of Santa Claus
The International University of Santa Claus, also known as School4Santas, is a renowned training institution led by legendary Santa Timothy Connaghan. With a curriculum that blends tradition, professionalism, and modern best practices, this program prepares both professional and volunteer Santas and Mrs. Clauses for every aspect of the role. Through live workshops and a comprehensive home-study course, students receive advanced instruction in storytelling, child psychology, diversity and inclusion, and the business of being Santa. Graduates earn diplomas marking their achievements—such as the Associate or Bachelor of SantaClausology—and can pursue further mastery through specialized and instructor-level training. With classes offered in cities across the country and even at sea, the International University of Santa Claus sets the standard for excellence in Christmas performance.
Attended in 2023, 2024, 2025
Learn more about the International University of Santa Claus
Santaology Series
Santaology is an advanced mentorship program founded by Hall of Fame Santa Stephen Gillham. This transformative series focuses on elevating storytelling, prop mastery, and performance artistry to create deeply engaging and authentic Santa experiences. Designed for Santas committed to excellence, Santaology blends tradition with innovation, helping performers connect more meaningfully with children and audiences alike. Completing this program is a mark of professional growth and artistic mastery.
Attended in 2023, 2025, 2026
Learn more about the Santaology Series
Christmas Performer Workshops
These hands-on workshops provide immersive training in the fundamentals of Christmas performance, including expressiveness, improvisation, and audience engagement. Santa Ben has attended multiple sessions designed to sharpen skills and enhance the ability to create seamless, memorable holiday experiences. These workshops emphasize practical techniques that bring the magic of Santa to life with warmth and professionalism.
Attended in 2023
Master Claus Academy (Founder & Dean)
Founded and led by Santa Ben, Master Claus Academy is Central Ohio’s premier Santa training institution. The Academy offers an innovative curriculum centered on storytelling mastery and professional development for Santas, Mrs. Clauses, and Elves nationwide. With a badge system recognizing milestones on “The Path to Santa Mastery,” MCA sets new standards for education and community leadership in the Christmas performance world.
Attended in 2024, 2025
Santa and the Business of Being Santa School (SATBOBS)
Santa and the Business of Being Santa (SATBOBS) was the first in-person school Santa Ben attended, led by the late Gordon Bailey, a revered figure in the Santa community. This foundational program focuses on the professional side of being Santa, including business management, marketing, and client relations. SATBOBS equips performers with the skills to build and sustain a successful Santa career while maintaining authenticity and excellence. Its practical, business-centered approach laid a critical groundwork for Santa Ben’s professional journey.
Attended in 2022
Learn more about the Santa and the Business of Being Santa School
Worldwide Santa Claus Network (WSCN)
The Worldwide Santa Claus Network (WSCN) is a premier online Santa school founded by Ed Taylor, offering year-round, on-demand training for Santas and Mrs. Clauses. Unlike traditional weekend programs, WSCN provides hundreds of hours of content covering authentic portrayal, business strategies, marketing, and performance skills. With live Zoom sessions and a private community, it supports both beginners and experienced performers seeking to refine their craft and grow their Santa careers. WSCN’s comprehensive curriculum and ongoing professional development make it a leading choice for continuous Santa education in the digital age.
Attended in 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
Learn more about the Worldwide Santa Claus Network
Beyond Claus Courses
Advanced Performance Training
Santa Ben’s dedication to excellence extends well beyond traditional Santa training programs. To bring unparalleled authenticity and presence to every appearance, he actively pursues advanced training in improvisation, body language communication, and movement techniques—skills typically honed by professional actors and performers. These courses sharpen his ability to connect naturally with audiences, respond creatively in the moment, and embody the joyful spirit of Santa with confidence and grace. This commitment to ongoing growth ensures that every visit is not only magical but also deeply engaging and memorable.
Every class, certificate, and workshop reflects my promise to deliver the most authentic, joyful, and memorable Santa experience for your family or event.
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