Santa Donnie

Donnie is a trained actor who specializes in improv comedy and magic performance. While performing as an ambassador to Santa Claus, Donnie will aspire to give each child and adult who approaches him a fun interaction that will lead to fond Holiday memories.

Donnie began working in theater professionally in 2004 at Theatre West Virginia. He was a cast member there for 7 seasons where he performed on stage and worked in the costume shop. In 2015 Donnie began to perform again with the "What's Next? Improv Comedy Troup". In 2018 Donnie began working with the Resort at Glade Springs during their "Santa's Christmas Adventure" event as the Elf School teacher "Mr. Markle". Combining his theatrical and improv backgrounds, Donnie was able to mold the character of Mr. Markle into something entertaining and rememberable. This is where he found a love for performing for children. In 2020 Donnie accepted an internship with Walt Disney World in Orlando Florida which was ended early due to COVID 19. He was able to return to Orlando in 2021 to complete his year internship. In 2022 Donnie was contacted by a friend to portray Santa Claus after seeing him perform as Mr. Markle. After his first outing as the man in red, Donnie fell in love with being an ambassador for Santa. Trying to further improve his craft, he attended the Santa Family Reunion conference in Gatlinburg TN in April of 2023. There he took specialized courses in Hospice Visits, creating amazing visits in what time is given, crowd management, magic performance, general expectations a client may have, and interacting with children with autism.

Donnie is very excited to hit the 2024 ground running and bring Christmas cheer to any venue he has the privilege of working.

Most of my interactions are improv based, but I will require a space for photo opportunities and will need client to provide chair and backdrop. Client is responsible for photographer or families can use their cell phones to take their own photos. I would prefer that I have a room so every half hour or so I can inspect and touch up makeup application.