The Big Apple CCU prepared us well for any encounter in our role as hospital clowns.I loved the idea of doing something similar for seniors. I began my nursing career working in assisted living facilities and I wondered if this art form would work for that population or if clowning would seem too insulting for them.
It is imperative that we follow all established hospital rules, protocol and instructions before, during and after any given emergency situation for the safety of the patients, employees, visitors and also for ourselves.Our job is fun, but we must be alert at all times no matter what.
The start of every great performance is the acceptance of your reality and using it to showcase who you are and your talents. Within this very statement lies the most basic of all tools an entertainer learns, “yes, and...”!
Although it’s mostly made up on the spot, improv has rules and they are necessary to move the scene forward and keep it interesting. The rules will be broken sometimes and SOMETIMES that’s ok.
Our goal as hospital clowns is to make someone’s day.This always includes hospital employees if they have time. Sometimes it comes in the form of laughter, a smile, impressing them with a skill, or just helping them get through their shift.
Even though hospital clowns perform in small, intimate spaces such as patient rooms and waiting rooms, we should always make each presentation concise and polished.
Hallways are by nature transitional areas-people are always on the move, including clowns, so what can you do in the hallways if you’re supposed to entertain but people are in transit?
If it’s not intrusive, playing at the windows can be great for patients who welcome a visit but may be contagious and playing with a partner is usually great fun for everyone.
It is not impossible to perform “clown rounds” alone in a children’s hospital if it’s a relatively small hospital or if you have enough time on your hands to visit many floors in a larger hospital. Ideally though, you should have a partner for each shift.