Archive for the Category »Caring Clown «
- TIP: How to Promote Your Hospital Clown Group Quickly, Easily at Little Cost
- Laguna Woods Caring Clown Senior Clown Alley Entertain Children of All Ages, with Heart
- Fun Hospital Clown Musical Stethoscope Idea
- Most Memorable Clown Moment: “Robbo’s” Humanitarian Clown Trip with Patch Adams to Russia
- The True Heart of a Clown
- A Heart 4 Sharing Humor Through Clowning, Interview with Kathy “Piccolo” Keaton
- Hearts and Noses Clown Troupe
- Hospital Clown Caring Clown and Healthcare Family Entertainer Performing for Children of All Ages
- Top 6 Hospital Caring Clown Healthcare Entertainer Training Articles/Resources
- Therapeutic Clowning Heals with Laughter: Jumpa and Sparkles At the Alberta Children’s Hospital
>>>5 Related articles you might find helpful on Injecting Healing Humor in the Healthcare Setting, are listed below this blog post (click on the title of this article, if you don’t see topics listed below)…
>>>You’re invited to receive our FREE Hospital Clown/Healthcare Family Entertainer/Applied Humor Therapist/SmileMaker e-Newsletter… by signing up to receive FREE Hospital Clown e-Newsletter (click on this link here)
>>>AHeart4Clowning Books and MultiMedia Programs, click this link: AHeart4Clowning Books and MultiMedia
That’s right! Absolutely NOTHING… and it’s pretty drab, boring, downright cheerless, and probably depressing — for everyone. Don’t let this happen! Add color, smiles and cheer to the healthcare setting near you — TODAY.
“Healing Humor is NOT a Band Aid — it’s a Way of Life.
It’s for EveryBuddy!” ~ Becky Cortino
REMEMBER: A Smile is a terrible thing to waste.
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Resources and other Great Stuff to help you:
5 Related articles you might find helpful are listed below this blog post (click on the title of this article, if you don’t see topics listed below)…
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Resources – Guides on: How to Establish a Hospital Clown or Healthcare Family Entertainer Group, and Entertaining in the Healthcare Setting, click this linked text (here)
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You’re invited to receive our FREE Hospital Clown/Healthcare Family Entertainer/Applied Humor Therapist/SmileMaker e-Newsletter… by signing up to receive FREE Hospital Clown e-Newsletter (click on this link here)
—Share Miles of Smiles: Funny Smilemakerz Kit for Smiles on a Stick and Endless Smiles—
At one of the training programs I led, a student told me that what I shared regarding the importance of improv really flipped a light on in her mind. Being primarily a “skit” clown performer, she was really excited about this discovery and looking forward to exploring improvisation!
I was excited for her too, making this breakthrough! I shared with her that I knew this would also greatly help her in her upcoming humanitarian clowning trips she had planned.
Then, the unimaginable happened — when the improv training segment came around, she was off in another class (similar to what she had taken in a previous training program I held).
My reaction: I was highly disappointed for her, because I knew she was missing an opportunity to learn and grow in a new way. For sure, she would come away with a fresh perspective and some new performance tips.
Yet, I understand this is what we call ‘human nature,’ repeating those familiar things or what we most enjoy, but — letting that stand in front of growing in our knowledge and proficiency in this art. It’s like repeating what we already know, and if we learn anything new, it’s just piling more information on top — leaving a void of Great Possibilities yet to be filled. Worse — maybe never filled!
How about you? Have you explored a new art or performance style that would help you in your applied humor therapy routines or add some spark to your clown rounds? It’s natural to feel tentative about trying something new, but why would you want to stunt your growth in learning and exploring all the possibilities of what you can do, or be as a hospital clown or healthcare family entertainer?
Isn’t that a little like cheating your adoring audience, waiting to see what’s next — and you make the dreaded mistake of actually repeating the same thing you did last time?! YIKES Even if the facility staff sees you doing this, it makes you look ill-prepared and non-professional, with a sorely limited repertoire.
Life is improvisation. It is not “fill-in-the-blank” in Real Life. Living life successfully, as well as entertaining effectively is not a “formula.” In our world, where coloring outside the lines and being “different” is lauded as being ‘good,’ why embrace an Old School mentality? This doesn’t serve your audience well, help you meet your purpose, or allow you to be the entertainer you’re capable of being.
In the kind of work we do that looks like play, it is critical that we are able to be flexible, proficient in a number of presentation modes, and able to roll with things as they happen, because even on stage in a real theatre with a script in hand, “things” can happen.
This thought goes beyond improvisation, although improv is certainly a large part of what we do. To be a well-rounded performer who can meet their audience wherever they are, in whatever condition we find them, we must be prepared. That includes knowing more than a trick or two — but doesn’t necessarily mean buying a trunk load of props and items you might use every now and then. It’s more about you and what you bring to your performance, and how you add your flair or special spin to the whole presentation.
The work we do is already stepping out of our comfort zone, and into a place we do not inhabit, save for the few hours we spend there. Why impede the positive effects and health benefits you can share with those who need you to be there, always giving your best?
My advice: Realize this situation for what it is. Step out of your comfort zone to learn something new — and grow some more! You may discover something you don’t like… you will learn something new!
NEWly-published book especially for Hospital Clowns, Caring Clowns, Healthcare Family Entertainers, Applied Humor Therapists and SmileMakers, about entertaining in the healthcare setting:
More about this recommended book (click on this linked text): Injecting Healing Humor in the Healthcare Setting: Entertaining Effectively in the Healthcare Venue
You’re invited to receive our FREE Hospital Clown/Healthcare Family Entertainer/Applied Humor Therapist/SmileMaker e-Newsletter… by signing up to receive FREE Hospital Clown e-Newsletter (click on this link here)
Training is really year-round for those in this ‘work’ that looks like “play.” After required training and updates, much learning is on-the-job. This actual on-the-floor-time ‘training’/experience is intensive, ongoing discovery about new situations and conditions, as well as finding new ways to entertain and delight at every turn along the merry way.
Since this time of the year brings many folks back to school, my thoughts often run to training programs and actual ‘school’ programs, teaching different skills and preparing the team to go out, meeting anything that comes their way in their meandering journey into the Great Clown Unknown.
May we never, regardless of our number of years of experience, become complacent and believe we do not need ongoing training, inspiration and support…
The following are our Top 6 Articles on Hospital Clown, Caring Clown, Healthcare Family Entertainer, Applied Humor Therapist, and SmileMaker training considerations, essentials, and ideas, along with helpful resources:
- Critical Care: Hospital Clown, Healthcare Entertainer Training is Important
- Critical Care: Purpose, Rationale, and necessity of Hospital Clown Training
- Character Clown Development from Within (Part 1)
- Character Clown Development (Part 2): 8 Tips in Selecting the Right Training Program
- 3 Tips for Adapting Material Learned at a Conference or Convention for Your Hospital Clown, Caring Clown, Healthcare Family Entertainer Groups
- Question Answered RE: Hospital Clown Certification and Paid Positions in Healthcare Clowning/Applied Humor Therapy
Resources:
Are you in love with the idea of what you do as a hospital clown, caring clown, as an applied humor therapist or maybe even as a healthcare family entertainer? Or — are you in love with the “idea” of what it’s all about?
It’s a noble thing we do, to generously dispense Healing Humor all ’round, giving of ourselves and sharing laughter and cheer in dark places crying out for it, isn’t it?
At the same time, it may surprise you, as it does me — folks who are seemingly so “sold” on the idea of injecting Healing Humor in the healthcare setting — in actuality are often much more in “like” with what they “do,” and more in “love” with the idea of what it’s all about.
What do I mean by this? I mean there are folks who love to:
- get all decked out and show up — which is surely a good thing, but don’t welcome training opportunities that would help them to be more proficient, professional and effective.
- talk about this cool thing they do down at the hospital or visiting those folks in the nursing home, but rarely can fit it into their always-busy schedule.
- entertain, be the center of attention, cheer the patients and staff, but put very little effort into their props or presentation (physical or look).
Guess some folks think “something” is better than ‘nothing.’ However, if we measure effectiveness for the effort expended, these are mindsets that will quash, demean or lessen the effect.
The purpose of ‘being there’ in the first place is patient-centered:
- If you’re not constantly learning, and open to receiving training ongoing from experienced and professional trainers and mentors, you’re quickly losing ground. You’re not top-of-your-game, or giving your best.
- If you’re not there, you’re not putting the patients “first” — you’re putting your schedule ‘first.’ If you’re “sold” on this concept, you must ‘sell yourself out’ to it fully. Otherwise — it’s expensive lip service you’re giving, for the money you spent on your trappings, props and supplies, isn’t it?
- All props and costumes become worn with use. Some items are not really intended for the use we make of them and wear out quickly or not be of quite good enough quality. If you are not willing to give your best in every way, it will come through every time in your performance and delivery. You don’t need to spend big bucks for a fabulous look — a little time and attention to detail go a long way.
It is amazing the number of folks who:
- will willingly and repeatedly turn down excellent training to further the art and increase their proficiency and professionalism offered by their own local organization (and not getting it anywhere else either, I might add!), and instead continue to do what they’ve always done, thinking that is “good enough.”
- would not otherwise make rounds were it not required by some organizations, in order to be “active.” If you’re part of an effort, you need to be an actual participant, not just on the roster.
- believe any old thing they want to bring along with them to the hospital, nursing home, or healthcare facility is ‘fine just as it is,’ or little care is taken in preparation to “be there.”
So, in the midst of all of these mindset-things that pull folks away, divert their attention, or fool them into thinking “this is good enough for now — I’m here, aren’t I?” Their efforts are marred, missing the mark, and not as effective as they could be.
If you think about it, in the hospital or healthcare setting you have one opportunity to “make it” — or not. You have a special one-on-one performance just for that patient, a staff member who needs a lift, or how about that worried relative who’s visiting? How can you look them in the eye and not give them only the very best — and all you’ve got?
Everyone is counting on you.
As performers in the hospital or healthcare setting, our focus is on the patient. Because we’re constantly sizing up our audience’s situation, looking for ways to empower them, easing their discomfort, while gently applying generous doses of healing humor – improvisation is the most effective mode of delivery.
This is a key element, and why “skits” don’t work in the one-on-one healthcare venue. ‘Schticks,’ tricks, sight gags, and other portable components that can be pulled out of your hat, from your sleeve, and plugged-in anywhere at any time are invaluable and if appropriately used, can be effective.
Entertaining in the Moment is the most effective way to dispense Healing Humor, as an Applied Humor Therapist. Otherwise, if we are so busy ”performing,” we miss the all-important connection with the patient, and the flight to that Place of Joy and Wonder. For this reason, I call the act of Entertaining in the Moment “The Sweet Spot.”
Two related articles you might enjoy (in addition to 5 listed below…):
Hospital Clowns, Healthcare Family Entertainers: Which Comes First: The Patient or the Act?
Hospital Clowns and Healthcare Family Entertainers Perform for Children of All Ages
(TIP: Click on the title of this post, if you want to read but do not see the additional list of 5 Related posts…)
At the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor (AATH) Conference in Orlando, I attended my friend Kathy “Piccolo” Keaton’s session on hospital clowning. As part of her presentation, she reviewed various props she uses during her hospital visitations.
She shared a lot of great ideas and fun stuff with the attendees, but the one item that caught my eye was her Musical Stethoscope! I was so captivated by this fun, cool idea, I asked Kathy’s permission to share it with you, and she agreed.
As you may be able to tell from the picture of “Piccolo,” she is wearing her Musical Stethoscope, a plunger attached to stethoscope tubing and ear pieces (could be play, costume or real). But wait — there’s more! Inside the plunger is the real fun, which Kathy explained… it’s a music button!
“You can get these little music buttons at any craft store. They’re for people making dolls or music boxes, cost only about $3, and play all kinds of tunes. I have Christmas ones I switch out during the holidays,” Kathy said.
The featured tune in Piccolo’s Musical Stethoscope the day she demonstrated it: “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.”
Kathy’s BONUS TIP: “Be sure NOT to say it’s musical – just push it and place it on their heart, and then softly say: “Oh . . . . you have a song in your heart!” It’s really sweet, and everyone around appreciates the thought.
Total fun! Thank you Kathy aka “Piccolo” for sharing this very cute and clever idea, to inspire others.
>>>If you would like to hear more of Kathy’s wealth of experience, I interviewed her on AHeart4Clowning TalkRadio Show:
>>>For More Information about Kathy and her applied humor therapy work, be sure to visit Piccolo The Clown’s website: http://www.piccolotheclown.com/
>>>Did you enjoy this tip? To read more, sign-up to receive our FREE Hospital Clown e-newsletter: http://www.aheart4clowning.com/sign-up/
What is a Hospital Clown?
AHeart4Clowning.com is all for and written about Hospital Clowns, Caring Clowns, Healthcare Family Entertainers, Applied Humor Therapists and Smile Makers, in support of our special work that looks like play.
In order to answer this question, here are some popular articles on this topic…
Hospital Clown, Caring Clown and Healthcare Family Entertainer: Performing for Children of All Ages!
Hospital Clown, Caring Clown, Healthcare Family Entertainer is Like a Valentine
Hospital Clown, Caring Clown, Healthcare Family Entertainer, SmileMaker Give a Gift: Work of Heart
Share Your Heart – Your Gift Makes the World Better! (Video)
~ Articles and Videos by Becky “CarroTop Rainbo” Cortino
In April, 2010, I interviewed Jeannie Lindheim…. from my early days as a hospital clown coordinator (2003), Jeannie Lindheim loomed large in my world, so it was indeed an honor and privilege to meet up with her, and to interview her on AHeart4Clowning TalkRadio Show.
Founder of Jeannie Lindheim’s Hospital Clown Troupe following a trip to Russia with Patch Adams in 1996 (now known as Hearts and Noses Hospital Clown Troupe), Jeannie has entertained over 50,000 children, and is the author of a unique training program in improvisational hospital clowning that has made a difference in the lives of hospitalized children in twenty‐three countries.
After Hurricane Katrina, Jeannie went to Houston to support the New Orleans evacuees there. She spent a week at the George R. Brown Convention Center clowning and doing “by the cot” visits to 1,100 people. She has also written a unique Training Program for improvisational hospital clowning that has been sold throughout the United States as well as in twenty‐three other countries. It’s clear to see that Jeannie has done amazing work, with far-reaching effects worldwide!
A family of the theatre, my family is involved in all things theatre. As testament to our longterm involvement, our oldest Magic’s Royal Duke Sammy Cortino is poised to launch out on his professional career as a performer. Jeannie’s approach to utilizing “improv” in training hospital clowns rang truest of true to us, and affirmed what we believed to be the most effective way to train hospital clowns, caring clowns and healthcare family entertainers to perform in this special venue.
Related to theatre skills and making Clown Rounds, we were already ‘there’ in the improv mindset, with 7 years of theatre and hospital clowning experience at that point. We realized as new folks joined the hospital clown ministry FRMC Charlie’s Chaplains, incorporating the technique of improvisation in our training program was key. In fact, we find it surprising that more hospital clown training don’t include this as part of the regular training regimen still today. Jeannie’s philosophy and improvisational approach was affirming.
So it should be no surprise that Jeannie would write a fabulous book about using improvisation. “Trusting The Moment” was just published by Satya House Publications. In the minds of many, I’m sure she is the perfect person to write it.
Jeannie Lindheim, MFA has taught acting, movement, improvisation, creativity, auditioning, and characterization techniques for thirty years at a variety of educational institutions including The Boston Conservatory, Harvard University Law School (Theater in the Courtroom), Boston University, Boston College, Lesley University’s Graduate Expressive Therapies Program and others. She ran her own theater school for thirteen years. She is currently the director of Jeannie Lindheim’s Center for Creativity – Turning Inspiration into Action, in Boston, where she offers diverse workshops.
She has worked with every age group and many different types of groups including teachers, theater companies, actors, sociology professors, high school principals, law students, high school dropouts, graduate and undergraduate students in education, physicians, nurses, senior citizens, teenagers, young children and people with disabilities. Jeannie has conducted more than 100 regional and national workshops for primary care and specialty physician groups on Dealing with Challenging Patients and Situations, and Communicating to Patients with Life‐Threatening Illnesses.
Her new book sparks creativity and imagination, and is based on the premise that when working with a group, in a workshop, classroom or at a retreat, the event should be one of the most exciting learning experiences in the world, for the group leader as well as for the participants. Those who work in creative professions, such as teachers, coaches, youth leaders, actors and directors, sometimes face the challenging task of coming up with new ideas when dealing with individuals or groups.
Trusting The Moment: Unlocking Your Creativity and Imagination, presents a treasure trove of insights to help increase cohesiveness and creativity. The heart of the book is a selection of 50 unique exercises for those who work creatively and like to have FUN! Perfect for hospital clowns, caring clowns and healthcare family entertainers, as I see it…
Based on the essence of what improvisation is all about, the exercises are designed to:
- Help people foster self‐esteem and confidence
- Get to know themselves in new and exciting ways
- Build memory, concentration and listening skills
- Become more flexible, physically and emotionally
- Learn how to live in the moment
The purpose of this book is to give the reader a set of tools that will make them a more effective, exciting and excited artist and/or group leader. It includes ideas on the art of group leadership, as well as specific suggestions for group procedures.
The exercises encourage team and foster creativity by:
- Breaking the ice when your group first meets
- Freeing people from the blocks and inhibitions that many people bring to one‐on‐one and to group situations
- Encouraging your group members to be open, vulnerable and trusting with each other
- Building a warm and supportive environment, where each person will feel free to express his or her own creativity and joy
- Developing a bond between group members that will allow each one to be spontaneous and take risks
In addition, the section on the Art of Group Leadership is a valuable resource for group leaders in any field. Trusting The Moment also provides an extensive resource section for further exploration.
I asked Jeannie what it was like for her, to create this book based on her many years of experience. She thoughtfully replied, “It was wonderful, exciting, thought-provoking and creative!”
…and not unlike Jeannie Lindheim or her career, I’m thinking…
For More Information about: Trusting The Moment click this link (here)
Debbie “LaDitzy” Fowler recently returned from a wonder-full clowning adventure in India ”International Clown Festival India 2010.” Here is a fabulous video about their exciting humanitarian clowning adventures:
In “LaDitzy’s” words:
“It was truly a once in a lifetime experience for me. When I began clowning about eight years ago I had no idea what opportunities and doors it would open for me. I just figured I would be doing some children’s birthday parties and nursing home visits, with maybe eventually hospital clowning.
But here I am – a world traveler and global entertainer. Haha. That’s a stretch – but still – wow, I would never have dreamed it.
The people I have met in my clowning have to be one of the highlights of this career. I only clown part-time because I care for three young toddler grandchildren full-time, and also have a special needs son at home. My husband has been great in supporting me in this endeavor and steps to the plate when I can’t be here – but he has some health concerns and I don’t want to ask of him more than he can give. So I’m content to do it when I can, for now.
India. It was the brightest of the bright and the darkest of the dark. We saw the most expensive home in the world – from a distance, and a few blocks away such poverty. People sleeping in the streets. The fact that we were able to bring laughter to so many was so humbling.
I really felt it the most when we performed for a large group of street children. We had bodyguards to keep them from us. I don’t think it would have been necessary. They were so well-behaved. Children are children and they love to laugh. They were curious but not at one time was I nervous of them. I wanted to squeeze and hug them all!
Another experience that I will never forget is when we performed at a school where there were a lot of orphans. The teachers had such control on those students they were afraid to make noise! I wanted to tell those teachers let them be kids! But I know they enjoyed us being there – so I was glad for that.
Another experience for me was when we visited a hospital. The reason they invited us there was to draw attention to the dire conditions and hopefully get more donations for the hospital. The people of India are such well-mannered people. Their customs, while different, are special to them. Serving cake by your fingers to their mouth was something unusual for me. But I understood right away it was an honor to do so.
Martin D’Souza, our host, couldn’t have been more generous in his treatment of us! We were definitely made to feel like celebrities. I could go on and on and on. I met Martin at Clown Camp in 2004. We’ve kept in contact over the years through clown friends in Winnipeg. Martin wanted to bring awareness of the art of clowning to the people of India. That clowns are more than a circus act! I believe his dream was realized and he plans to hold more festivals in the future.”
Thanks for sharing, “LaDitzy” — SO glad our meandering, Joy-filled paths have crossed!
For More Information (click on linked text):
International Clown Festival India
*Formed 3 years ago when Richard Snowberg announced that Clown Camp in La Crosse would be ending a group of us did not want to see this education, fun and sharing end…
On February 17th AHeart4Clowning TalkRadio Show kicked off our 4th consecutive broadcast season, with a very special guest: therapeutic clown Kathy “Piccolo” Keaton. Here is a great vid that shows the work she does, spreading happiness and laughter in the healthcare setting:
Kathy is one of the featured instructors at Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor (AATH) Conference April 7-11th, Buena Vista Palace Hotel & Spa (Disneyworld) Florida. This year, there are 3 therapeutic clowning sessions being offered! I know all of the instructors, and think you will thoroughly enjoy their classes… Check this cool conference out — for more information: http://www.aath.org/conference.htm
Last year, I was honored to present on How to Establish a Hospital Clown or Healthcare Family Entertainer Group at the AATH Conference. To read my impressions of it, click this link here
AHeart4Clowning now offers a Home Study based on my presentation: Work of Heart: Establishing Hospital Clown/Healthcare Entertainer Group – Train/Prep/Equip, for program details, click this link here
There are additional suggested related links listed below, including a link to the post about our AHeart4Clowning TalkRadio Show interview, in case you would like to tune in…








