Training is a Launchpad for Effectiveness!
Applied Humor Therapy in the healthcare setting is not Rocket Science, but the learning and fun never end in this fascinating venue! To stay top-of-your-game, while remaining fresh and focused, ongoing training is invaluable for all who want to clown, entertain or apply generous doses of humor in the hospital. This “funny business” is really very serious.
Regardless of your experience — new to Applied Humor Therapy or hospital clowning, if you plan to establish a hospital clown group or want to enhance your currently existing troupe, continuing education is your launch pad to taking it all the next level!
Hospital clowning is known to be one of the most challenging clowning disciplines, due to:
- Regulation: Ever-present regulations, policies and restrictions
- Venue: Performance place is constantly changing and evolving
- Uniqueness: Each and every patient, visitor and staff member met on Rounds presents a new perspective and entertainment opportunity, just like impromptu “street performances”
It defies logic to think one can learn all that’s needed in a day or two, or a little training and some time observing others on Rounds is sufficient. A compassionate understanding, coupled with a deep knowledge of venue dynamics is required to be effective. Ask any experienced healthcare entertainer, and undoubtedly they will assure you they are always learning — and growing!
Restrictions are so tight, it is very difficult if not impossible to “shadow” a hospital clown group. Any time spent observing a hospital clown group in action does not provide the optimal environment to learn and understand. Healthcare entertainers on-the-job are busy and ’in the moment’ with their patients. Patients are their audience and the whole reason for being there — not to give outsiders training and pointers on-the-fly as they go, as in a Reality Television series.
Next: In Part 2 of this series, find out how to nurture the clown within, and discover what the “Simple Truth about Hospital Clowning” really is…
