SCHOOL OF SANTAS
July 16th-19th, 2026
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AmericInn & Suites
275 Tanger Blvd
Branson, MO 65616
Now Reserving Seats for our 2026 Class!
We are beyond excited to announce that the incredible
Joe Barney
Will Be Our Keynote Instructor
Meet Joe Barney
(Who’s This Clown?)
Joe Barney has been performing for over 50 years, and what a journey it has been — a life filled with joy, laughter, and the magic of bringing smiles to audiences everywhere.
Throughout his career, Joe has had the incredible honor of performing at the White House, dazzling crowds at Radio City Music Hall, and entertaining families at Six Flags theme parks, where he will proudly return for his 38th season this year. For the past 25 years, he has also served as the beloved House Magician & Santa Claus at the White House.
Joe’s talent for embodying iconic characters has brought him to stages across the country. He has portrayed Santa Claus for Macy’s in Herald Square, Radio City Music Hall, and as the Jolly Old Elf for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parade at Walt Disney World. For over 34 years, he has captivated audiences as Circus Impresario P.T. Barnum, performing with the Ringling Bros., the State of Connecticut, the Barnum Museum, and even at the premieres of the blockbuster film The Greatest Showman.
Joe’s remarkable career has earned him numerous honors, including:
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Lifetime Achievement Award for Entertainment – State of New York
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Lifetime Achievement Award – Clowns of America
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National Clown Arts Council Lifetime Achievement Award
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Professor of Prestidigitation at Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College
And perhaps his proudest accomplishment of all: making eight kids laugh so hard they couldn’t help but pee their pants!
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Only $499.00 Includes School, Food and Branson Quality Entertainment
JOIN US!! CONTACT TAUNYA LAY TODAY!
We make it easy to register for the School of Santas!
Contact Taunya Lay at Branson Ticket & Travel today at 417-335-2707 or Email her at taunya@bransonticket.com
—your one-stop shop for everything you need for school! From registration to hotel accommodations and even additional show tickets, Taunya has the magic to make it all happen!
Meet Our Instructors!
Roger Minton Kringle Tracker
Make holiday magic easier with Kringle Tracker! Roger Minton introduces this powerful, user-friendly CRM designed to streamline your Santa business—managing clients, events, finances, and more—so you can focus on creating unforgettable experiences.
Steph Boys
Steph Jordan Photography
Steph Boys, the creative force behind Steph Jordan Photography, has spent 13 years capturing magical moments, with her work featured in outlets like People Magazine. Voted one of Columbus, Ohio’s top photographers three years running, she specializes in bringing holiday characters to life through powerful imagery. At the School Of Santas, Steph will teach how to shine on camera, collaborate with photographers, and use storytelling and branding to elevate your presence.
Larry Talbert
Talbert Insurance Services
With 41 years in insurance and 10 years as a performing Santa, Larry blends expertise with enchantment. He’s the creator of “T’was the Night Before Christmas, a Magical Presentation,” which launched a line of magical items to help Santas and Mrs. Clauses captivate audiences—no magician skills required!
At SOS - Gang, Larry will present:
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Entertainer insurance essentials—coverage options, costs, and real-life claim scenarios.
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Magical tools and tips to enhance your performance and keep the Christmas magic alive.
Get ready for a fun, informative, and magical experience!
Miranda Ritter
Kansas CIty Reindeeer
Santa’s reindeer train in Kansas City! The reindeer love to go on displays to meet people and are available for social, corporate and Holiday events!
Meet Our VENDORS!
Visit Our Vendor Village!
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
School of Santas Vendor Village
Our Vendor Village is where Christmas magic meets craftsmanship! From suits and beards to décor and keepsakes, our vendors bring the best of the holiday spirit. Shop, connect, and support the talented creators who help make the magic of Christmas shine.
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Meet Your Host!
I’m thrilled to introduce you to someone who fills every moment with joy and holiday magic—Spangle the Clown! If you haven’t had the pleasure of meeting him yet, get ready for an unforgettable experience that will leave you with a heart full of cheer!
Spangle is not only the incredible host of School of Santa’s but also the driving force behind everything magical about this event. For over 30 years, he’s been spreading laughter and happiness, dedicating his life to making the holidays special for children and families. For the past 8 years, he’s been the mastermind behind School of Santa’s, where the fun never ends!
n In 2024, Spangle was inducted into the International Santa Claus Hall of Fame!
This honor is a testament to the years he’s dedicated to spreading joy and making Christmas brighter for families everywhere.
He’s also the driving force behind the Warm Santa’s Heart by Warming the Hands of Children initiative, where he collects gloves, hats and other warm items to give to children during his free Santa visits in his mobile Santa trailer studio. It’s all about making sure every child feels the warmth of the holiday spirit.
SOS
Through The Years... Years of Fun and Fellowship!
🎅 Help Fill Our Sleigh at the School of Santas! 🎄🎁
We’re collecting mittens, hats, scarves, and gloves to fill our sleigh and spread warmth to those in need! 🧣🧤🧥
How it works:
Bring your donations of winter wear to the School of Santas.
For each donation, you’ll receive one raffle ticket
(for example, 5 pairs of Gloves +5 Tickets, One Hat +1 Ticket)
Place your raffle ticket in a prize bag for our silent prize raffle!
What’s a Silent Prize Raffle?
It’s simple! The raffle is silent, meaning you won’t need to be present to win. You just place your raffle ticket in the bag of the prize you'd like to win, and winners will be drawn at random! 🎟️✨
So, bring your donations, get your tickets, and cross your fingers for a chance to win a fantastic prize!
👉 Drop off your items in the Sleigh and help us spread the holiday cheer while you enter to win!
In-House Entertainment Also Included!
Terry Wayne Sanders - A Branson LEGEND!
Rick McEwen- Kenny Rogers Tribute
Rick and Anna Watson- A Garth Tribute
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Meet Your Tuesday Night Live Crew!
🎤🎉 Meet Your Tuesday Night Live Crew! 🎉🎤
Ready for some behind-the-scenes magic? 🎬✨ Come meet the awesome team that makes Tuesday Night Live a blast at the School Of Santas! From running lights and sound to hosting shows and roving reporting, we do it all! 😎
Drop by, say hi, and get to know the crew that keeps the energy high and the laughs rolling! You won’t regret it, and we promise you'll leave with a smile (and maybe even a joke or two)! 😜🙌
See you there—you’ll be glad you did! 😁
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Santa Mel
AKA Melissa Rickard
Your Emcee
MEET THE TEAM
Jessica Rosa
Administrator
Santa Scott Seretean
Lead Audio Engineer
(Assistant Grill Master Extraordinaire)
Bob & Carol McMasters
Welcome Hosts
(Bob is also the Grill Master Extraordinaire)
Your Host Spangle!
Georgetta
SPANGLE WRANGLER
(The toughest job of them all!)
&
Mrs. Spangle!
... And A Sleigh-Full of Other Helpers and Volunteers!
Taunya Lay
Event Facilitator
Roger Minton
IT Advisor to Spangle
Santa Robert Wood
In-House Production Lead
Your AI Elf
Noe
Your Culinary Team!
Alina, Georgetta, Anna Marie & Kristina
