Qualifications
Not just anyone gets to be Santa. You need to have high moral character and a clean record. You have to at least appreciate the holiday spirit, and that means you realize you're not just there for the paycheck. You're there for the kids. Acting experience will help, but as long as you can follow the "Three J's of Santa" (jolly, joyful, and jingly), you'll totally get the part.
Oh, and you'll definitely have to submit to a background check before you're allowed to work with children. Have those references ready.
You should also get some training. Some places provide their own lessons, but you could also check out the bigger Santa schools and seminars. That's right—Santa School. Professional Clauses will show you the tricks of the trade, which may even help you earn a little more cash and prestige. Although we're not sure if you have to wear the school uniform.
"What about diversity?" we hear you asking—or maybe that was just a sneeze. Either way, you'll be happy to know that the Santa color barriers are a thing of the past. But sadly, a big ice wall still stands between the Santa chair and female Santas.
Sure, you get to play Mrs. (or sometimes Ms.) Claus, but shopping centers still make Santa a boys-only club. Things may change, but at least you get to hang out with the mothers while Santa's got a lap full of someone else's spoiled brat tugging at his face.