Hello Readers,

Today we have a guest blogger, Mr. Rob Walker. I am proud to introduce Rob to you as a committed and double-duty member of the Jest for Joy family. Mr. Walker is one of our dedicated Board members, as well as being one of the select group of performers who have been trained by Jest for Joy as a clown-doctor.

In December, just a few days before Christmas, all four of Jest for Joy’s clown-doctors visited our George Pearson Centre friends together in a Clown Christmas Caroling Day. Although Rob has been trained and has developed a character, he had not yet clowned in this facility, and was touched by the relationships and connections we have established with so many of the residents over the past 8 months that we have been servicing George Pearson. Upon reflection (about clown-doctoring at large, it seems), here is what he has to say:

Hello,
I’m tall, lanky, have a strong goofy streak. Goofy? Heck, I downright could be his love-child. People are always asking me, “Just, what are you, exactly?”

What I do find myself responding to are questions about what clown-doctoring is. Specifically, the clowning. Pop culture proves a pedestal for my explanation. Our organization pays individuals for their professional work in a healthcare setting. That training happens to be in voice and movement rather then fluid identification.

The background I bring to Jest for Joy’s board of directors is Fine Arts and Education. References to the work of Decroux and Marceau come easy to me. I find, however, that Red Skelton, Lucille Ball, Tina Fey and Robin Williams are more familiar references. Speaking of Mork, it was his role in the film, Patch Adams, that provides the clearest window. We are establishing a standard of care that returns joy and inspiration to individuals, using the philosophies of therapeutic clowning, amidst the medicine and machinery. Clown-doctoring is about celebrating and encouraging the spirit. Our organization is inspired by international organizations who have been involved in this work for many years. We are in communication with the Canadian Association of Therapeutic Clowning, hoping to gain guidance and alliances with other reputed therapeutic clowns across Canada.

The greatest stereotype I work to dispel is that of the traditional circus or birthday-party clown. Jest for Joy clown-doctors perform with a minimum of makeup, costume and prop. Our clowns always work in pairs, two noses per shift. Doing so allows the audience to participate at will. Working in pairs also increases the artists’ awareness of the patients needs within the medical environment. A person may be experiencing a tough treatment or be susceptible to transmitting or receiving infection (we gown-up outside the room while gently crooning). Might we wear unflattering shoes? Certainly – but Jest for Joy clown-doctors do not step into any room without prior consultation with the clinical team and being invited at the door.

Bet ‘cha didn’t know there was an association of therapeutic clowns! Obviously, we’re not just goofing around.

To you, with joy and inspiration,
Rob Walker