Archive for the Category »Healthcare Humor Program «
How can you entertain in a place like this?
The question often comes up. In fact, it seems only natural that folks would wonder how in the world anyone could entertain — let alone “clown” in the midst of sickness, sadness, sometimes even dying. Not an unusual query at all.
Even as the seasoned hospital/caring clown that I am (13 years, at this writing), I must admit if I stop to ponder this thought long enough — it makes me consider as well. But then, I know I have been doing this for many years and seen the joy and wonderment in the faces and eyes of so many. I guess that is how I can do this type of entertaining.
However, performing in the hospital does require special training. By their very nature, pediatrics, cancer wards and also hospice settings require extra preparation for entertainers. Many special situations and particular needs take entertaining in these venues well out of the norm or mainstream of performing even as compared to other healthcare settings.
Clowns who perform for patients usually agree the experience is humbling. The audience is not at their best, yet they usually welcome us in and thank us for our presence in the sweetest of ways. Our meager performances – no matter how grand, are dwarfed by the incredible strength and courage we appear in the face of, room after room, patient-by-patient. Sometimes the patients join in the celebration, sometimes quietly or just casually observing. I have even seen a patient or two take in our performance with all the energy they could muster — with eyes closed. They were there — right there with us, all along, I assure you.
The truth is, this kind of performing is very serious business. Hospital/caring clowns and healthcare entertainers may appear to be colorful and full of light, but a gentleness must pervade their spirits, as they wait and watch their audience watching them, adjusting, tweaking and fine-tuning their performance accordingly.
Similar to street performances, each presentation is always a little bit different even from the last, according to the audience, based on the patient’s interaction, as observed by the entertainer. Training and preparation help an entertainer to know what signs to look for, as cues to a patient’s ability to take in more of a show or if it’s time to pack it in and bid them adieu.
I often joke that I play best before a ‘captive audience’ – meaning one that can’t get away. Truthfully, I prefer entertaining in the healthcare setting for all of the intrinsic nuances and needs. The one-on-one performance behind the world’s smallest mask (clown nose) is my stage and my greatest Joy.
So when asked how in the world could I perform in a place like that — I answer, how could I not?
Clowns exist to entertain, and in doing so, freely offer joy-filled wonder and exploration to discover the possibilities that exist amongst all of us.
What a blessing and a privilege for hospital clowns or caring clowns to do the important work we get to do. It may be to share only a brief moment… a light-hearted exchange, sometimes merely sharing a quiet presence offered as a means to break the monotony, or a peace-full interruption of unceasing pain for a patient.
Hospital clowns and caring clowns take their funny biz very seriously, as they spread contagious laughter, cheer, mirth and merriment wherever the meandering path may lead. As they cheer the patients, visitors and staff, hospital clowns not only do the important work of sharing healing humor, but also make friends and memories with children of all ages, all along their merry way!
Special moments leave heartprints long after the event. As for clowns on rounds, many experiences leave indelible prints on their collective clown hearts. Countless memorable moments happen during hospital visitations. The patients, visitors and staff often share how much they enjoyed the performance. Even when a patient is unable to express appreciation in a way that might be discernable by most, we get the message – from their heart to ours.
We feel immeasurably blessed.
Join us in Center Ring for this month’s AHeart4Clowning TalkRadio Show, as we spotlight one of the most versatile and all-round highly experienced Hospital or Caring Clowns you might be fortunate to get your funny bone tickled by!
Follow the Big Top spotlight to find AHeart4Clowning TalkRadio Show on Thursday, February 11th at 10AM PT/ Noon CT/1PM ET L-I-V-E, as host Becky “CarroTop Rainbo” Cortino interviews very special guest Kathy “Huggles” McLaughlin, Hospital/Caring Clown extraordinaire:
A clown since 1974 and actively performing in many venues, Kathy “Huggles” McLaughlin’s love is Caring Clowning. “Huggles” is a hospital clown entertainer frequently appearing in the healthcare venue for the last 12 years, and currently performing in 5 different hospitals. Kathy also lectures and teaches on the subject throughout the US, Canada, and at Clown Camp Wisconsin. “Huggles” joy-filled journey has also taken her to perform in Russia, Japan, Scotland, Mexico, Guatemala and a few other countries to visit children in hospitals and orphanages.
In this fun interview, Kathy shares her experiences and memorable clown adventures over these many years, and insights into what it takes to be a Hospital or Caring Clown. Got questions? Call-in or join the chat and text-in your questions during the show! Catch the show streaming L-I-V-E, or catch this show after the broadcast, from the archive.
Injecting Healing Humor in the Healthcare Setting: Through Hospital Clowns, Healthcare Family Entertainers and Applied Humor Therapists takes Heart, Dedication and Training but NOT a degree or special certification.
Miles of Smiles: Becky Cortino
Having been performing before mostly captive audiences since 1997 in the healthcare setting, I have often enjoyed connecting with like-minded others involved in grassroots organizations. Our facilities differ, but one thing I have learned is our concerns and focus are very similar. There is much to learn and share!
Just prior to writing my first book on establishing a hospital clown or family entertainer group, I met many clowns and family entertainers who expressed their heartfelt desire to do what I am fortunate to get to do every month — cheer patients! This fueled my drive to get that book written, to help others set up a group in their hospital or area.
After I finished writing the first book, my mission became clear and is very simple: I want to help further clown arts and humor programs in hospitals and healthcare settings globally. Together, we are doing that – but I strive to encourage it on a much broader scale than what we are currently doing.
How to do this? In 2008, I established 2 active groups on Facebook and am building community in our specialty. Now, I am also asking for a bit of help — but just a little bit 
Please take our short Hospital Clown/Healthcare Performer Survey to tell us what you think, and about what you do at your facility. All respondents remain anonymous and no personal information is required to participate.
Here is the link for our short survey: Click this link here for the survey
As most folks in this venue, I am a volunteer. I am not paid for hospital visitations or performances I have freely given since 1997, nor am I salaried to coordinate, or for any ongoing training I have provided the hospital group I’ve been honored to serve as coordinator for since 2003. I do not have a trunkload of supplies and gadgets to sell you. No fees are collected to maintain this site or any related community groups – so know I am fully-vested in my global mission.
As part of building community, I would like to know what you think and more about the kind of work you do. Your input is important and your thoughts are appreciated — I know you are as driven by your passion, as I am!
Click this link here for our short survey
Tell us what you think… what you do at your facility…
If you have a question, a referral or need help in your area, please use the Contact Form and drop me a note. I look forward to hearing from you!
Thank you for your thoughts 
Hospital Humor Programs Prepare for Flu Season:
Tighter Controls, Focus on Hygiene and Best Practices
Visitation policies and more stringent procedures have been established, and are now observed at many healthcare facilities in preparation for the flu season. The policies apply not just for the staff, but for volunteers as well.
Hospital clowns and healthcare family entertainers should adhere to “Best Practices” related to hygiene and patient-visitor-staff contact in any season. This is a huge issue in the healthcare setting, and must be taken very seriously, observing “Best Practices” throughout visitations.
In selecting props and sight gag items to bring on Rounds, do NOT bring an item that:
- has a part that is loose or detachable
- could come apart and drop on the floor
- has the potentiality of dropping on the floor in your performance or during the presentation
- has unattached parts or pieces that could fall on the floor at any time
- Juggling paraphernalia: scarves, balls, and rings notoriously drop on the floor often, even by an experienced juggler
Bring items that:
- Can be easily carried, stowed safely away between uses (in pockets, etc.)
- Are simple to manipulate in performance routines
- Won’t fall on the floor all throughout the hospital, during or after performance
Hospitals are very serious about “Best Practices” in the healthcare setting. Be advised there is likely zero tolerance for not following “Best Practices” at all times on Clown Rounds. Not observing the procedures and following appropriate guidelines might cause an offending performer or group to be banned from a healthcare facility.
Consult with your hosting facility for more information on hygiene and facility policies if you are unsure of them.
Additional training on “Best Practices” and more is available through a new online A Heart 4 Clowning Mentoring-Training Program, based on my experience as the coordinator and training director for one of the oldest all-volunteer hospital clown groups, since 2003.
For information on Private Member-Only Online Mentoring-Training program for Hospital Clowns, Caring Clowns and Healthcare Family Entertainers: click on this link, to find out more
My Mission is Simple: To help further Clown Artsand Humor Therapy programs in hospitals and healthcare settings globally. Together in the collective sense, we are doing that – but I strive to encourage it on a global basis…
Do you have a program in your area, are you interested in starting one up, or are you currently involved in a healthcare humor program? How may I help you? I have many resources available on this topic – you can find details and a Contact Form on this site.