Tag-Archive for » Hospital Clown Trainer «
A real blast from the past on AHeart4Clowning TalkRadio Show! Encore presentation of our all-time MOST popular broadcast — ENJOY!
From our very first broadcast season, Becky Cortino explains:
- Need for training and continuing education for all
- Different levels of proficiency, to gear necessary training
- Types of training, to make any training program more effective
SHOW NOTES:
The Healing Humor Program discussed in this show is now available as an online multi-media program. For more details and to enroll, click here: Healing Humor: Live Happy – Be Healthy
Online Training and Mentorship Programs and lots of Resources are available via AHeart4Clowning.com. For more information about programs and resources, click this link: Training from the Heart
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)
Happy ThanksLiving!
At this time of the year, grateful hearts often turn inward to reflect on the days and years past, with thankfulness for many things that have transpired in the journey that got them to the arrival point called today...
I too, am thankful for so many wonderful things, but also thankful for things that while not as I would have liked — positively paved the way, shaped, and affirmed the direction and perspective of my work. These influences trained me up in the way not to go — most likely, in the opposite direction (as inferred) — but in the right direction, for me.
Daily, I am thankful for those who provided excellent and inspiring training. For those who allowed me to do the work that I knew I was destined to do — and did — and still do. Granted there aren’t a lot of folks who fall into this category, but thankfully there are fewer who were actually not supportive.
But I am sincerely thankful for those who were persistently not supportive of this work, of my unwavering Grassroots Perspective, and heartfelt desire to freely encourage and inspire as many folks as possible to engage in this wonderful work that only looks like play, from Day One. Were it not for you, perhaps I might have otherwise stopped my quest to learn and be so much more than I was (I never stopped trying), and to share my experiences with others, to help them.
Had you not so influenced me early-on, I might not have otherwise made such a big deal about spreading the Truth that all of this is really NOT “Rocket Science.” I might not have actually gone to such great lengths, and spent tireless hours to show those who were hungry to know more.
Had you not made it all seem like it was such a big, exclusive Secret that only the real Insiders could know and do, and if I — and all the others — were lucky enough, maybe we too could share the inner sanctum with you. Maybe I could have become mesmerized with the possibility. Perhaps I then would have just waited for that day ever to come. “Waiting” would have kept me too busy, preoccupied for anything else.
Then, I probably never would have written my first book, or my second book, or my third book, or my 4 online training programs, or established Humor-Bit TV or AHeart4Clowning TalkRadio, along with maintaining a half-dozen websites about Healing Humor, reaching so many, with encouraging messages and inspiring information they need to hear and want to know. 245 hospital clowns would not have received L-I-V-E training from a caring heart. The world would be a bleaker place, without the Miles of Funny Smiles now encircling it. If I believed at all in luck, and was anxious to be inducted into your inner sanctum, probably I would be waiting, still…
Had you not stressed your rigid requirement that all things fit neatly into a One-Size-Fits-All Approach, and I totally accepted that myth as fact, I might have never have realized the truth that One Size never fits all actually needed to be amplified far and wide — and so I did just that. “One Size” never works, especially in relationships, or in effectively injecting Healing Humor in healthcare. Afterall, that’s what we exist to do…
Your teaching helped me to understand the Truths that needed to be presented, so more hearts could be touched by compassionate others; more healthcare Humor Programs could be established, and improved. That’s what it’s all about, for me. I knew it was the Right Thing to do.
So thank you, my Naysayers of Days Gone By. I appreciate the fact that you challenged me! I whole-heartedly accepted that challenge. Had you not influenced me in the ways you did, and I did not feel compelled to run with this, we would not be having this conversation today.
Because of your influence, armed with unfaltering dedication, and a very clear understanding of my purpose, we made a positive impact in this world during the last 8 years!
But wait! There’s more…
It's all about the relationships... it's a Partnership
As with most worthwhile things, a hospital humor program requires more than one individual to establish, coordinate and run it. The starting point is a partnership-type relationship with a hosting facility, humor program initiators and participants.
By definition of partnership, the hospital or healthcare humor effort is by nature a joint venture, requiring commitment and participation on the part of all involved.
Unfortunately, this connecting point is where many hospitals or healthcare facilities are challenged, regarding establishing a viable channel from which to operate a humor program. A majority of facilities relegate humor program coordination to their volunteer department, often already overloaded with directing the day-to-day activities of a population that resembles a small city.
Humor programs do require special attention, by nature of the work done. In order to have an effective humor program and joint venture effort, it is critical to have the program defined, with all responsibilities, area(s) of operation, and activities clearly outlined.
This greatly aids the hosting facility, because:
- They know in advance where this entity is positioned within their operations and organizational heirarchy.
- It saves them valuable time, because it is implemented in tandem with a trusted, responsible partner.
By having all established activities and areas of operation defined and coordinated by an appointed volunteer, the only time spent by a staff member would be for an occasional debriefing or update meeting with the coordinator. Perhaps these meetings could be scheduled quarterly, and supplemented by a regular monthly program status report detailing group activity and plans.
Previously, I wrote outlining the many ways having such a humor program offers tremendous benefits to a hosting healthcare facility. I also wrote about the fact that such programs only come about based upon the all-important relationship between the facility and the participants. A successful program also spills over into the community, with far-reaching effects and building priceless community good will.
In times like these, humor is needed more than ever. This is no time to cut back on a simple program that will enhance the quality of patient care, substantially add to the wellness team, while building community good will at low to very little expense. A hospital or healthcare facility humor program run as a partnership will have far-reaching benefits, and positively sets the hosting facility apart from all the rest.
If you currently have or are participating with a hospital or healthcare humor program, and would like to fine-tune your efforts, or would like to establish a humor group, I offer a comprehensive online training program available on your schedule 24-7 (on-demand) – click on the linked text (below) for program details:
Work of Heart: Establishing Hospital Clown/Healthcare Entertainer Group – Train/Prepare/Equip
This online multimedia program not only provides a tried-and-true blueprint to save you valuable time in customizing a viable humor program tailored to your facility, but also over 100 pages of training materials for your group, along with printable hand-outs, performance pointers, training videos, and a Private One-on-One Personal 30-minute Coaching Session via Skype with me — Becky Cortino, to answer your questions, brainstorm solutions and ideas for your group or facility.
…I have written 3 books (to date) on this aspect, spoken on this topic, and presented this material internationally, in addition to training 245 hospital clowns in 10 consecutive sessions (comprised of local, regional and out-of-state attendees), a training program I concepted, implemented and directed, in partnership with my group’s hosting facility.
How may I help you?
Receive information to help you with your humor program: 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)
Recommended book: Injecting Healing Humor in the Healthcare Setting: Entertaining Effectively in the Healthcare Venue
The newest work published by A Heart 4 Clowning Press, is a book especially for Hospital Clowns, Healthcare Family Entertainers, Applied Humor Therapists, and SmileMakers on the topic of entertaining effectively in the healthcare setting, written by Becky Cortino.
Click here for more about: "Injecting Healing Humor in the Healthcare Setting: Entertaining Effectively in the Healthcare Venue"
“I’ve written this book to encourage those in the trenches, wanting to dispense generous doses of Healing Humor through performance in the healthcare venue,” the author said.
The third book in the AHeart4Clowning series, formatting of this guide is slightly different from the others. While topically-presented, versus traditional chapters, Becky describes it as “written like a conversation, inviting the reader’s participation. It is not intended to be an exhaustive resource of entertaining bits, but rather savvy solutions and ideas for active Healing Humor performers in healthcare wanting to be more effective.”
Written from the grassroots perspective of a volunteer and coordinator of what is believed to be one of the oldest all-volunteer hospital clown/family entertainer groups, this guide is based on Becky’s hands-on experience as a Hospital Clown and Applied Humor Therapist beginning in 1997. It is the second book in the “Injecting Healing Humor in the Healthcare Setting” series.
This book includes material Becky has written and presented in 10 consecutive training programs since 2004, training 245 hospital clowns and healthcare family entertainers (at this writing) in service at other healthcare facilities as well as her own group, those performing in other states, regions and countries.
Included in this inspiring guide are:
- Pointers and Tips for Entertaining in the Healthcare Setting
- Inspirations and Ideas for Putting Your Best Foot Forward
- Actionable Steps to be an Effective Healthcare Family Entertainer
- Journaling and List-keeping Section
- Special Reader BONUS Gifts ($45 Value)
For more information and to purchase: Injecting Healing Humor in the Healthcare Setting: Entertaining Effectively in the Healthcare Venue guide, click this linked text (here)
Hospital/Caring Clown, Healthcare Entertainer Training is Essential
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:
AHeart4Clowning on World News Network
Tune In! To view: Click on above graphic (or click here)
Trusting The Moment: Use improv to build team and foster creativity.
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)
Private Online Mentoring/Training for Hospital or Caring Clowns, Healthcare Family Entertainers and Creative Arts Performers who apply generous doses of Healing Humor & Entertain in the Healthcare Setting!
This Private Online Mentoring/Training Program offers individual mentoring through training videos, audios and tried-and-true resource materials I have developed, written and actively use to train healthcare family entertainers and hospital clowns since 2004, all based on my hands-on experience as a Hospital Clown and Applied Humor Therapist since 1997 in one of the oldest existing all-volunteer hospital clown/family entertainer groups.
In 9 consecutive training programs since 2004, I have trained 240 hospital clowns and healthcare family entertainers in service at other healthcare facilities as well as my own group, and those performing in other states and regions.
This unique Mentoring/Training Program is presented for all levels of experience.
As a mentee, this program is available to be viewed and listened to any time, allowing you the benefit of attending sessions on your own schedule, from the comfort of your own computer. All media and materials are available immediately, as soon as you activate your mentorship!
Individual Mentoring/Training Program membership is an ongoing online program. Simply pay to register for this program, and you never need to renew, for continued support.
Private One-on-One Personal 30-minute Coaching Session with Becky Cortino is included. Answer your questions, for recommendations, brainstorm solutions.
The program fee includes all necessary materials and supplies, and isless than most one-time conference registrations, plus — no travel expenses! (Less than 20-cents/day the first year! $0 every year thereafter…)
This Private Online Mentoring/Training Program for Hospital or Caring Clowns, Healthcare Family Entertainers and Creative Arts Performers who apply generous doses of Healing Humor & Entertain in the Healthcare Setting at less than the cost of attending a one-day seminar!
More Information (click on this link, here): Applied Humor Therapy Mentorship Program
PLUS — the one-time fee is for an ongoing mentorship with a mentor who has actual hands-on experience, supported by updated resources always at your fingertips!
"Bubba" Sikes
“A Heart 4 Hospital Clowning” Interview with “Bubba” Sikes on AHeart4Clowning Talk Radio Show July 8 1PM EDT
Center Ring Spotlight this month is on special guest JT “Bubba” Sikes world-renowned Hospital Clown, COAI clown-in-residence, great trainer, downright – and outright VERY funny guy! He will be on the July show to talk about Hospital Clowning and humor in the healthcare setting – with tips, ideas and pointers you can use!
Join us as we broadcast live, or listen to the recorded show on your schedule, from the archive!
Call or text-in your questions during the show… listen from the comfort of your computer, or your phone.
AHeart4Clowning TalkRadio Show “A Heart 4 Hospital Clowning” Interview with JT “Bubba” Sikes Show Link: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/aheart4clowningtalkradio/2010/07/08/a-heart-4-hospital-clowning-interview-with-jt-bubba-sikes
- AATH 2010 Conference Clowning Outreach
What a thrill, honor and privilege to be a featured speaker-presenter at the 23rd annual Association of Applied and Therapeutic Humor (AATH) Conference in Disneyland April 22-25!
With my years (since 1997) in the aspect of Applied Humor Therapy in the healthcare setting, the Tribute to Norman Cousins, was especially meaningful. A true visionary, he is credited with being the forerunner in this aspect, first treating his painful health condition with doses of humor, long before contemporary thought recognized and embraced this powerful, effective therapy.
My presentation topic was based on my AHeart4Clowning book: Establishing a Hospital Clown or Healthcare Family Entertainer Group — with an add-on: Train, Prepare, Equip and Promote!
It was gratifying to present to a wonderful group of interested participants from all over the world, encouraging them in their efforts of applying healing humor in the healthcare setting.
The conference provides tremendous educational and networking opportunities. It was great to meet and share with others in this field! I really enjoyed hearing about their programs and the free-flow of shared ideas from every direction!
In addition, I was pleased to help with the traditional AATH Clowning Outreach with the talented, witty and way-fun Danny Donuts and Magic’s Royal Duke Sammy Cortino added some magic to our visit! You can see a part of our group pictured here. It was a fabulous experience…
Held in April as part of the global celebration of Humor Month, the AATH Conference draws participants from around the world. For more information about AATH, click this link (here)
How may I help you?
Are you planning a program on Applied Humor Therapy in the Healthcare Setting, or do you want to establish a Healthcare Humor Program? Do you have questions or need some time-saving help with your program and ideas? Here’s a recommended resource (click on this link here): Work of Heart
Receive information to help you with your humor program: 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)