Translation of publicist‘s post (RUS).

“Deer” racing, ice architecture and snow painting are only a few things Father Frost (the Soviet version of Santa Claus) and his lovely assistant Snegurochka can offer for a holiday celebration. Mojazarplata.kz goes behind the scenes of this fairytale.

A Snowy Mood

“Every audience, no matter what age group, expects an unusual program – no less than a fairytale,” says Varvara Staritsyna, who has been working for several years as a Snegurochka, Father Frost’s assistant in Soviet holiday lore. “People pay, first and foremost, for a good mood and an atmosphere of wonder.”

Such demands require the magical characters to widen their “range of profiles.” In Almaty, for example, one can take acting classes for playing Father Frost, learning the principles of projection and interaction with the audience. Snegurochka courses, which are very popular in Russia, are uncommon here.

“You should perfect your style independently,” Varvara advises. “And your memory, too. Santa Claus and Snegurochka have to know a vast number of songs, poems, riddles and other “entertaining” material in order to properly improvise, which they are often required to do.”

Fairytale Wages

Working as a Father Frost or Snegurochka is fairly lucrative: a house call or corporate event lasting thirty minutes to one hour costs about 25 000 to 30 000 tenge before December 30th. On New Year’s Eve it is, on average, no less than 30 000 – 40 000 tenge. Given enough professionalism, demand and holiday activity, one can earn up to 750 000 tenge in a single “season.”

“In order to impress a client,” Varvara continues, “you have to carefully think a scenario through, picking games that aren’t “beat up,” modernizing the song repertoire and trying to involve as many people as possible in the celebration.”

With a good reputation and reliable clients, a good winter season is guaranteed even in times of crisis. The demand for wonder and holiday fun is perennial, so agencies and individual entrepreneurs who want to stay “afloat” have to adjust to their clients’ financial capabilities.

“Don’t forget about expenses,” Varvara reminds us. “Renting a costume costs about 10 000 tenge per person, so it’s more profitable for agencies and entrepreneurs to sew their own. Also consider transportation costs and taxes.”

The Tax Issue

To legally operate in the New Year’s industry, one must own a license or patent – that is, to work for an agency or be registered as an individual entrepreneur (the cost is about 20 000 tenge). Illegal Father Frosts face fines (depending on their level of income) or, in the most extreme cases, criminal sentences.

Let’s not think about that now, though. New Year’s is a bright holiday that marks the beginning of a new period. This is what Father Frost and Snegurochka help us do, to end the old year well, and to start the new one merrily. Happy Holidays!