To ensure every Santa is prepared to deliver an exceptional experience, a comprehensive training session will be held in each capital city. Attendance is mandatory for all performers, with an online training option available for those unable to attend in person.
At Book A Santa, we believe that having outstanding performers is just as important to us as it is to our clients. Our training covers a range of essential topics, including role-playing exercises, guidelines for working with children, introductions to shopping centre environments, and expectations set by partnering companies. We also share practical strategies on what to do (and what not to do) in various situations, along with some special tricks to help every Santa bring the magic to life.
At training sessions, we also teach the following:
Training sessions are structured to ensure professional development, child safety, campaign consistency, and clear communication of Myer brand expectations.
Core Training Modules:
Welcome & Introduction
Overview of Book A Santa and our partnership with Myer
Purpose and values of the campaign
The History & Spirit of Santa Claus
The legacy of St. Nichola
Embodying the timeless warmth, wisdom, and kindness of Santa
Campaign Details
Full timetable: start/end dates, special events, VIP nights
Store-specific info (e.g. Bourke Street windows, regional notes)
Daily check-in process via app
Reporting incidents and no-shows
Character Development & Roleplay
Voice, movement, mannerisms
Staying in character at all times
What Santa says and never says
Photography & Presentation
How to pose with families and children
Making every photo frameable — even with big groups or shy kids
Image taken from an associate Santa agency in the UK.
6. Costume Management
Proper costume set-up and daily maintenance
Cleaning, repairs, and responsible storage
Uniform policy and professional appearance
7. Child Interaction Skills
Creating meaningful, safe interactions
How to handle:
Frightened or shy children
Children with special needs
Emotional or difficult moments
8. Health, Safety & Well-being
On-shift physical safety (lifting, overheating, hydration)
Performer well-being (breaks, reporting illness)
Myer venue safety protocols (evacuation, emergency contacts)
9. Inclusion & Accessibility
Sensory-friendly practices
Cultural sensitivity
Language and behaviour awareness
10. Conduct & Expectations
Professional boundaries
What could lead to termination or reassignment
Mandatory reporting obligations (if any concerns arise)
Payment & Admin
How and when performers are paid
Who to contact for admin, shifts, or payment issues
Our training is delivered in person or online, depending on location. It includes role-play, visual materials, Q&A and is performed by experienced Book A Santa staff
Book A Santa will collaborate closely with Myer staff to deliver tailored training sessions that meet Myer’s specific needs. All training related to performance skills, costuming, payment processes, and Book A Santa standards will be conducted by our team. Myer staff are welcome to provide information they would like included in the sessions, or they may attend the training sessions held in each state. An online training option is also available to ensure accessibility for all participants.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT):
As there are no participating Myer stores in the ACT, no in-person training sessions will be conducted in this region.
Tasmania:
With only two Myer stores located in Tasmania, training will be delivered online to reduce travel costs while maintaining consistent performer preparation and standards.
Regional Stores:
The online training modules are fully adequate for non-Santaland stores, ensuring all performers are equipped with the necessary skills and information to deliver an exceptional customer experience. All regional locations are non-SantaLand venues. While performers from these locations will be encouraged to attend in-person training where feasible, comprehensive online training will be provided.
Training sessions are charged separately and are not included in the performer hourly wage rates.
This covers the time and resources required to ensure all performers are appropriately inducted, rehearsed, and briefed in line with Myer's brand expectations and campaign standards.
Training will be delivered as follows:
In-person training in Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, and Adelaide for major Santaland sites.
Online training for Tasmania and regional store performers to reduce costs while maintaining consistent quality.
Performers from regional stores (non-Santaland venues) will be encouraged to attend in-person training where feasible; otherwise, online training is deemed sufficient.
Training costs will be itemised separately in the financial proposal.
Inclusions:
Conference Room Hire
Basic catering for attendees
Accommodation, Flights, Travel, per dium for trainer
Materials