Archive for » June, 2010 «
When appearing in the healthcare setting, a good deal of what entertainers do for patients is to empower them. This is done in several ways as part of the performance, gently offered in a 2-step process:
- Initially, allowing the patient to decide if they would like to have a clown or entertainer enter their room for a visit. Ask the patient’s permission first, before entering their room. Remember — they are in the hospital, and you are likely the only person they can refuse or tell “no.” Allow them that blessing. Their refusal to see you is not meant as a personal reaction to you, but it is a deeply personal decision to them. Since they are in the hospital, you are likely the only person they can refuse or tell “no.” The whole permission request step is empowering to the patient because they are the ones to decide.
- Pulling patients into the act, as an integral part of the performance allows them to become involved in the activity however they may be able. This helps break the monotony and dispels pervading sadness, while whisking them away to a lighter place for this moment in time. Participating in an act may be as simple as completely directing the ’scene’ (”stop,” “go,” “yes,” “no,” etc.). I recommend no hands-on activities (by the patients), but that is up to your hosting healthcare facility. Some hospitals allow this type of entertaining, and their policies, procedures and hygiene protocol should be followed.
As you can see, the whole concept of figuratively putting the patient into Center Ring for the performance (or not) is all about them — not us, as entertainers. Our performance is completely based upon their decisions, preferences and choices. Following this strategy not only gives the patient a lighter moment but allows them the grace of personal empowerment to decide and take an active part (or not) in the process.
In the healthcare setting, the patient is the star performer! As the hospital or caring clowns or healthcare family entertainers serve up a tasty feast of fabulous fun, let us always remember this wonderful motto:
“Have it their way!”
Related Post: Hospital Clowns/Healthcare Family Entertainers: Which Comes First: the Patient or the Act?
'Being there' isn't enough.
Part Two in a series on Entertaining in the Healthcare Setting…
A healthcare family entertainer has many considerations in performing in the venue — costume, schtick, props, policies, procedures, and much more… but never should the preparations nor the entertainment be put before all else. Showing up in your finery, with all the best stuff and greatest act in the world is not enough. It’s laudable to always put your best effort and clown foot forward, but not before first considering the audience.
Other facets of what entertainers do for patients in the healthcare setting is to empower them. This is done initially by allowing the patient to decide if they would like to have you enter their room for a visit. Remember — they are in the hospital, and you are likely the only person they can refuse or tell “no.” Allow them that blessing.
It is not up to the hospital clown or healthcare family entertainer to barge into the patient’s room anyway — throwing our hat into the proverbial ring (or their room) while completely ignoring their feeble request — because ‘we know they will feel better seeing a clown,’ or whatever reason you have in mind. If they saw you from just outside their door — they saw you, and that may be enough for them in that moment in time.
Sometimes the act you will perform for a patient is a simple act of kindness, from the heart — allowing them the space and time to continue in their healing or preparation process and respecting their response to you, because they know how they feel.
Related posts:
Hospital Clowns and Caring Clowns Offer a Work of Heart for All
What in the World are You Here For?
Next: How patients are a ‘part of the act’ when entertaining in the healthcare setting
'Being there' isn't enough.
Hospital clowns, caring clowns and healthcare family entertainers exist to perform in their venue on the world’s smallest stage. Their entertainment is often at a patient’s bedside, to an audience comprised of one. The act usually debuts in real time, right before their eyes and will likely never be performed quite the same way again.
In most cases, the focus is on the patient because the reason for being there is to brighten their day and lessen their pain if at all possible, through an unexpected interlude of joy and levity. But “being there” is not enough.
“Getting there” may seem a nearly unsurmountable task for most, especially if you are a family entertainer who is wishing, waiting and hoping to become involved in a healthcare humor program. Sometimes, persevering through the seemingly endless maze of training and testing to begin rounds may feel overwhelming. I realize this, but once arriving at the facility for rounds again I say — “being there” is not enough.
Next: How patients are empowered when entertaining in the healthcare setting…
3 big reasons for establishing a Humor Program in your hospital or healthcare facility presented by published author and longtime Humor Therapist Becky Cortino…
These are 3 compelling reasons to establish a Healthcare Humor Program — but wait! There are more…
In addition, Healthcare Humor programs:
In addition to these 3 compelling reasons, Healthcare Humor programs also:
These are 3 compelling reasons to establish a Healthcare Humor Program — but wait! There are more…
In addition, Healthcare Humor Programs:
*Have far-reaching effects inside and outside the facility walls!
*Provide priceless results at little cost reaching patients, staff!
*Build great community goodwill!
*Are NOT Rocket Science to set-up!
*Easily tailored to your facility’s specific needs!
For articles, resources, training, request consultation, visit: AHeart4Clowning.com
Contact: Becky Cortino, AHeart4Clowning.com
Join us on AHeart4Clowning TalkRadio Show on Thursday, June 17 at 1PM EDT, 10AM PT, Noon CT, for a JOY-filled interview with Nikki Jackman, founding Cheerlady of The UPliftment Programme (also known as “The UP”) in South Africa, with the purpose of “sharing the healing power of JOY.”
The UP is a not-for-profit organization rooted in South Africa since 2003. They share JOY through Care Clowning, Community Laughter & Corporate JOY Sessions. Nikki Jackman is the founding Cheerlady of The UP – she’s an actress/ voice artist and joy activist – committed to balancing her acting career with building and sharing JOY with all… she will share encouraging and inspiring insight and tell us about the many facets of The UP program and the healing power of JOY!
You can set a “show reminder” and listen online here:
Listen to the show streaming L-I-V-E, or catch this show after the broadcast, from the archive.
Looking for a great schtick? Here’s one you can easily perform on Clown Rounds, at special events, Humor Clinics or whenever you feel this screening is needed!
Miles of Smiles: Becky Cortino
The warm, encouraging response I have received so far this year for the work I have been doing, my books and media, speaking engagements and emerging new projects has been heartening, albeit a tad overwhelming at times — but all met with great good humor, high spirits and an abundance of gratefulness for all.
The most affirming moment for me, in my writing and sharing is when someone who wants to become involved in this work that looks like play, or I connect with a hospital somewhere that is interested in establishing a humor program. For me, that is when the magic begins!
How fortunate it is, that we should meet here at this time and place, to speak of simple things — of smiles, and joy and humor to be shared in possibly the darkest of days… presented as a sweet gift to one who so often wishes to receive it, but never before would have dreamed to ask.
As the realm of things possible unfolds before their wondering eyes, they come away with us for just that moment in time, to a land untravelled until we arrive there together. It is a place filled with warmth and sunshine and hearts are light. Laughter and joy fill the air like lilac blossoms — sweet and close. Once experienced, not-to-be-forgotten. The moment to be hidden in the heart. The memory to taken out again to be further examined, relished and enjoyed. To be held forever close.
I’m thinking I must be the most fortunate person in the world to do what I do. The places I have been — the stories I have heard. Oh, the memories and indelible heartprints forever left their mark.
May my words speak to your ears and to your heart.
My heartfelt mission is very simple: I want to help further clown arts and humor programs in hospitals and healthcare settings globally. Together in the collective sense, we are doing that – but I strive to encourage it on a much broader scale than what we are currently doing.
Please let me know how I can help you… feel free to contact me, or to submit your question by way of this online Contact Form (click this link)
Injecting Healing Humor in Healthcare Setting
Early this spring, I shared my excitement with you about launching Work of Heart: Injecting Healing Humor in the Healthcare Setting MultiMedia Program. Though difficult for me to wait for this program release, the weeks have passed as I put the finishing touches on this package. At last June 1st has arrived, and here we are officially launching this unique online MultiMedia Webinar to help encourage hospital clown and healthcare humor programs!
While it seemed a long way off at the time when I first told you about it, the span of weeks that passed is certainly not as long as the distance I have come in putting this program together for you! That meandering journey began as I set my very first baby clown foot on the hospital floor way back in 1997…
What a joy-full journey it has been! Filled with many-many hours of learning — like you… designing costumes and routines — like you. Attending training programs, conventions, conferences — like so many in our discipline. So – you know how much time you’ve spent! Oh — I and had two children I’ve been taking around with me since 1997, also — so I guess I need to multiply that time spent for prepping them, as well as me… I’m happy to report we continue making Rounds together still today – counting it all Joy!
Through the process I’ve learned quite a lot. I did not start up the hospital group that I am fortunate to coordinate since 2003, but I did establish the now-infamous Skool concept that draws folks from out of state to attend, and the ministry has become what is known as a “New Generation,” expanding to include professional family entertainers, honored to be featured in The Hospital Clown Newsletter.
Are you part of an existing hospital clown or healthcare family entertainer group? Regardless of your level of experience — do you want to start one? The lessons I have learned are ones I gladly share!
I am thrilled beyond words to officially launch my newest MultiMedia program that I believe is groundbreaking. It is filled with insight, experience, inspiration and down-to-earth strategies to help you:
- Establish a Hospital Clown/Healthcare Family Entertainer Group or further an exisiting one
- Help you Train, Prepare and Equip Your Group, including special clown arts enrichment activities and components to complement your efforts
- Help you Promote Your Group, to grow your group
This online program is presented from a Grassroots (that’s me-and-you), down-to-earth perspective, based upon tried-and-true hands-on actual hospital group development and coordination, and a long-time career in marketing/PR and communications. While I cannot claim to have been a circus clown or performed in hospitals in other countries, I have lived-breathed-hospital clowning since 1997 and my communications/Marketing/PR indie profession has been my lifelong career. My perspective is unique, and the information I can provide you through this program will help you in your efforts even if you have been a clown for many years.
Based on my experience, I have relevant information-rich content that will help you in your efforts, and hopefully keep you from spinning your wheels unnecessarily. I know how much time it takes to coordinate a group! This program is supported by my desire to encourage hospital clown and healthcare family entertainer groups globally and to help you coordinate your group, while saving you valuable time.
This webinar package is a comprehensive information and media-rich presentation. Each segment is thoroughly covered, and is like attending 3 seminars on this topic – then leaving the conference with a boatload of resource materials!
Do you need a dose of inspiration and some encouragement?
There are many preliminaries and considerations that need to be addressed in setting up – or coordinating an established hospital clown or family entertainer group, as well as training, equipping and getting the word out about your group.
Downloadable and printable materials to use for your own group are included in this online MultiMedia Webinar package, allowing you the benefit of attending a conference on your own schedule, from the comfort of your own computer! The entire program may be viewed indefinitely.
This MultiMedia program is designed as an extension to the recently-published book, How to Establish a Hospital Clown or Creative Ministry by Becky Cortino.
My book served as the official text for the first-ever ministry weekend program held by Frye Regional Medical Center’s Charlie’s Chaplains’ Hospital Clown Creative Ministry in 2007, it was expanded from the conference spiral-bound version and reprinted in 2008 by Lulu.com as a bookstore-quality paperback book. It remains as the featured text on this topic.
Although complimentary in nature, this webinar program goes well beyond the book by covering training, preparing and equipping a hospital clown or healthcare family entertainer group, in addition to promoting the group. It does not cover “How to Establish a Hospital Clown or Family Entertainer Group” as in-depth as the book, so is a recommended companion to this webinar:
How to Establish a Hospital Clown or Creative Ministry by Becky Cortino
More details and to register for this program: http://budurl.com/WorkofHeartWebinar
Look forward to seeing you in the program!
More Info: About Becky Cortino, featured program presenter