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Wonder Why? Entertainment
Greetings, my name is Chris J. MacDonald. I'm the proprietor & primary performer at Wonder Why? entertainment. I'm the ringmaster and the clown rolled into one. I think the meaning of life is to share joyful experiences, to pass along joy. In order to do that, I started Wonder Why entertainment in 2013.
Wonder Why Entertainment provides character entertainers for all types of events: Corporate Events, Fundraiser Galas, Children's Parties, School Events, Festivals, and More.
Current roster includes a Juggler, Magician, Clown, and Santa Claus!
With a signature blend of stunning and awe-inspiring juggling, magic, physical and verbal comedy, and circus tricks Wonder Why? entertainment will bring oohs & aahs, chuckles & guffaws, and dropped jaws to any event.
Chris J. MacDonald587.991.9084
Height: 6'1" Weight: 175 Hair: Brown Eyes: Blue
______________________________________________________________________________Santa Claus appearances Santa Claus Corporate, Private, WEMStreet Performer Mister Milo Edmonton Fringe 2014Sorry, Wrong Number Sergeant Duffy Concordia University CollegeCirque de la Nuit: Arniko Ringmaster Vinyl & Hyde Whiskey RoomVibe Tribe Circus: Luminos Milo Switters Capitol Theatre Vibe Tribe Circus: The Curse The Mayor Astral Harvest Arts Festival______________________________________________________________________________Training:
Improvisation: Concordia University CollegeEdmonton, AB
Introduction to Clown: University of AlbertaEdmonton, AB
Naked Comedy Lab: University of AlbertaEdmonton, AB
Rapid Fire Theatre Improvisation WorkshopEdmonton, AB
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Special Skills:
Juggling (swords, torches, balls, clubs, hat), Physical Comedy, Magic, Clowning, Santa, Dialects, Narration/Voiceover, Swimming, Snowboarding, Skateboarding, Western Riding
Santa Mac
I've been preparing to play the role of Santa Claus for most of my life. I've worked in the child and youth care field for over a decade, where my responsibilities have revolved primarily around facilitating opportunities for kids to learn through play.
At the age of twelve, I began working with the Edmonton Early Intervention program, supporting preschool age children with developmental disabilities. I continued in this work later in life with the Robin Hood Association as a Community Support worker and Summer Program leader and coordinator. In this latter postion, I had the opportunity to play the role of Santa Claus for the first time in 2005 during our Summer Program "Christmas in July" event; I was instantly transformed into the jolly old elf, Santa Claus, and the kids whom I worked with were transported to a world where magic is part of the everyday and wishes come true. I knew that this was the role for me.
During my twenties, I attended Concordia University to study psychology with the intention of becoming a registered Psychologist; I planned to work with troubled children and teens. Following my graduation (with honours) I worked with a couple of different youth serving agencies supporting children and youth in government care. I haven't yet made it back to academia to complete my Master's of Psychology, but there's lots of time to do that, eventually. At present, I am employed by Chimo Youth Retreat Centre part-time as a respite and administive support staff.
In 2009, I began performing with an Edmonton performance troupe, the Vibe Tribe Gypsy Circus. My role with the troupe was Juggler, then Juggling Fool, as I developed a comedic persona over the years. This persona, Milo, has developed and enabled me to perform solo as a children's entertainer at festivals, corporate events, birthday parties, and at the Edmonton Fringe 2014. In order to promote my solo performance work, I created an entertainment company, Wonder Why entertainment in 2012.
But every year, I am brought back to the role of Santa Claus. The first few times I donned the familiar red and white costume, I employed a "designer" beard (i.e. fake beard). I was not content with the appearance of the "designer" beard, and invested a full year of facial hair growth into obtaining a beard I believed would provide kids with the authentic Santa Claus experience. I have appeared as Santa Claus at Chimo Youth Retreat Centre's Christmas party the past two years, and youth whom I work with regularly were unable to recognize me--my transformation from Chris MacDonald to Kris Kringle was a total success. Although I'm still a few years away from a naturally white beard, I take the necessary measures to ensure that my beard appears entirely white by stripping the color and applying a professional costume hair whitener prior to each Santa Claus appearance.
With a combination of child & youth care experience along with the performance skills of a comedic children's entertainer, I am ideally suited to provide a joyous and memorable Santa Claus experience for children of all ages. Although I am younger than the typical Santa Claus, I
bring to the holiday table an unmatched passion for sharing joy, physical endurance, quick wit, and a joie de vivre that is rapidly becoming a sought after commodity in the Santa Claus market.
Testimonials:
“I don’t think a single one of our guests walked away without a grin on their face. We wanted them to feel like they’d been transported somewhere magical, and you added so much to that atmosphere.” --Nikkie Nelson, YESS Event Administrator
"Tonight Santa juggled, read stories, handed out special gifts. I almost forgot to take a photo, I just snuggled up with my boys on a blanket, and with all my heart believed Santa was in my living room. Thank you millions. You are Christmas." --Maggie S.
"Santa was fantastic. My mom was in tears...of joy." --Amanda K.
"Milo has an amazing ability to connect with everyone's sense of wonder and curiosity. As an adult watching it's hard to stand back and not push the kids out of the way for a front row seat." --Brandi J.
"What I love about your entertainment...it appeals to all ages." --Allison C.
"Our guests had a great time and the kids were still talking about Mister Milo days later. I was so impressed by how Mister Milo was able to improvise and adapt to the children's suggestions throughout his performance. Well done!" --Keri H.
"Honestly, Milo captivated everyone, interacted with the children on their level and made them feel special. All our guests raved about what a unique experience our son's birthday was; our son is already wanting Mister Milo to come to his next birthday! Thanks again!" --Crystal T.
