Marietta Nonprofit Trains Santa Performers in Care
Operators who book seasonal entertainers for hospitals and family events may soon see compassionate performer training become a vendor expectation.
Updated on Nov. 1, 2026 in Philanthropy
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The Sleigh Society held its first compassionate performer workshop for Santa Claus performers at the Hilton Marietta Conference Center, drawing more than 50 attendees to a three-day session on handling challenging situations and performer mental health. The nonprofit, cofounded by Michelle and Paul Smith of Smyrna, recently earned its nonprofit status and is aimed at performers who entertain children across Marietta's metro area.
Why it matters
The workshop responds to the need for performers to prepare for sensitive interactions with vulnerable patients during the holidays, a need the Smiths tie to Paul Smith's sister's early-onset dementia diagnosis. For businesses that book seasonal entertainers for hospitals, events, or retail venues, it signals a growing expectation of training beyond the costume and routine.
More than 50 Santa Claus performers attended the three-day workshop held at the Hilton Marietta Conference Center. The source provides no prior-year or benchmark comparison, and it is unclear whether the organizers plan additional sessions.
The players
The Sleigh Society
A nonprofit organization cofounded by Michelle and Paul Smith that trains Santa Claus performers in compassionate interaction with vulnerable audiences.
Michelle and Paul Smith
Cofounders of The Sleigh Society from Smyrna, who have performed for children across Cobb County and metro Atlanta for several years.
Bob Litterella
A Woodstock performer who has played Santa for six years and attended the workshop.
The details
Medical and healthcare professionals joined a panel discussion with the performers, and attendees shared questions and tips during the sessions. Topics covered handling difficult situations and building resilience and mental health care for the performers themselves. The Smiths hope hospitals will eventually require performers to hold compassionate performer certificates before entertaining ill children.
Timeline
Earlier in 2026: The Sleigh Society officially earned its nonprofit status.
October 31, 2026: The first compassionate performer workshop was held in Marietta.
Market Landscape
Entertainment bookings for hospitals and family events have traditionally relied on costume and routine rather than formal training in patient interaction. The Sleigh Society's certificate proposal would add a credentialing step that does not currently exist for seasonal performers.
Businesses that book seasonal entertainers for hospitals or family events should consider asking whether performers have received any training in working with vulnerable audiences. Operators who manage volunteer or paid entertainment programs may want to track whether hospitals adopt the certificate standard the Smiths propose.
The takeaway
Entertainment buyers may want to add performer training and mental health support to their vendor requirements as expectations for sensitive settings evolve. Watch whether local hospitals or event venues in Marietta begin requesting proof of compassionate performer training before booking seasonal entertainers.
Further reading
For related coverage, see the Philanthropy section on Marietta nonprofit and giving news.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Northwest Georgia News.
Live Poll
Would you volunteer to entertain children in hospitals during the holidays?
