Master Claus Academy - 2026INSTRUCTORS

Master Storyteller & Santa Portrayal Artist

Stephen (or Steve as his friends call him) is Santa. He first portrayed Santa in 2004 for UNC Children's Hospital and has been hooked ever since. What began as a last-minute call to fill in for the hospital's departing Santa has evolved into nearly two decades of creating magical Christmas memories for thousands of children and families.

Prior to Santa, Steve served as a BSA Scoutmaster where he perfected his art of storytelling, skillfully painting vivid mental pictures for boy scouts around campfires with his legendary 'toe curling' ghost stories. The proof is in the detail as he loves to say—a philosophy that would later define his approach to Santa portrayal.

When he transitioned to Santa, Steve needed new stories to provide children with mental pictures of the North Pole and how he—Santa—lived and worked. His imagination knows no limits, and the stories flowed naturally to answer every question. Props were created to authenticate these stories, providing visual proof that yes, he truly is Santa.

Steve and his wife, Debra, revolutionized the Santa experience by developing what parents dubbed "Smart Santa"—an innovative communication technique using modern technology and hidden earpieces to personalize every visit. "I'm wired all the time," Steve says with characteristic humor. "I feel like the Secret Service." This groundbreaking approach transforms routine visits into moments of pure wonder and amazement for families.

Steve's passion for elevating the Santa community led him to author "Santaology: The Art of Being a Great Santa Claus" in 2016. This coveted guide, containing multiple original stories, visual props, and revolutionary performance methods, has been sold out for years—testament to its legendary status among Santa performers worldwide.

As an instructor at The Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School and through The Brothers Claus presentations alongside the late Leon McBride, Steve has taught at all major Santa conventions. He continues sharing his expertise through Santa and the Driver virtual classes and as a sought-after speaker on a variety of subjects, influencing Santa performers across the globe.

Steve was inducted into the International Santa Claus Hall of Fame in 2017 and into the Knights of St. Nicholas in 2020. He was thrilled by both honors but admits he's especially excited about having a big sword! His partnership with Leon McBride created a powerful teaching legacy that continues to shape the Santa community.

Steve is honored to serve as a legendary instructor for the 2026 Master Claus Academy alongside Lee Andrews, bringing together this incredible mentorship lineage. After nineteen Christmases of creating magical memories, Steve continues his mission from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, returning each year to volunteer at UNC Children's Hospital where his Santa journey began.

As Steve is always quick to add: "I wouldn't be half the Santa I am without Debra."

Master Entertainer & Santa Portrayal Artist

With nearly three decades of bringing joy and wonder to audiences worldwide, Lee Andrews has masterfully crafted a career that spans from circus rings to Santa's chair. What began as a three-year-old clown has evolved into one of the country's most distinguished family entertainment careers, encompassing over 6,000 performances across circuses, fairs, festivals, libraries, and corporate events.

Lee's remarkable journey started on the carnival lots of McNair Amusement Company, where industry veterans Hugh McNair and his daughter Lisa took young Lee under their wing, teaching him the fundamentals of professional entertainment. By age 12, Lee was performing professionally at state fairs as "Lew-E the Clown," launching what would become a lifelong dedication to creating unforgettable family experiences.

As a professionally trained Santa Claus portrayal artist, Lee has created magical holiday memories for thousands of families throughout Georgia and South Florida. His commitment to authenticity and genuine connection has made him one of the most sought-after Santa performers in the Southeast, with nearly 300 annual performances spanning schools, libraries, festivals, corporate events, and private celebrations.

In a testament to his deep roots in the entertainment industry, Lee recently acquired ProKNOWS—the world's largest clown nose producer—from his mentor and close friend, legendary Ringling Brothers Circus Clown Leon McBride. This acquisition represents not just a business venture, but the continuation of a cherished legacy. Leon, who passed away last year, was a Hall of Fame inductee in both the International Santa Claus Hall of Fame and the International Clown Hall of Fame, and was a longtime teaching partner of Master Storyteller Steve Gillham, author of the coveted "Santaology." This creates a rich tapestry of mentorship and expertise that flows through Lee's work.

Lee is honored to serve as a legendary instructor for the 2026 Master Claus Academy alongside Steve Gillham, bringing together this powerful mentorship lineage. His approach to entertainment is rooted in genuine care for his audience, with a singular focus on creating experiences that families will treasure and discuss for years to come.

Based in Macon, Georgia, Lee continues to spread joy alongside his wife Rebecca and their children, Ashton and McKenzie. Whether performing as Lew-E the Clown or portraying Santa Claus, Lee's unwavering commitment remains the same: sharing love through laughter and creating magical moments that last a lifetime.

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