After reading Alex’s post of their Doctor Payaso ministry I was reminded of my experiences at using clown therapy.
The first time I acted out Dr. von Poofen Spoof (a crazy doctor speaking with a thick German accent dressed in a wild white wig, funny glasses, lab coat, stethoscope, and blue polka dot tie), it was at the opening of a children’s museum. I was asked to be a “mad scientist” to perform science experiments. It seems that kids like to learn more from a crazy scientist than a stuffy lab technician, so in the style of “Bill Nye the Science Guy,” I mixed a bit of humor with the science.
During my experience as a clown, I have been surprised at the response and demand for clowns. We have sometimes done close to 300 clown shows a year! It seems that people who can encourage fun, enjoy life, and reduce stress in others are in great demand everywhere in the world.
In Palestine my clown colleague, Marco, found it very effective to use clown therapy to help children overcome their fears brought on by war.
Throughout the years we have worked together with many institutions to bring joy to others through “clown therapy.” We have often visited hospitals to cheer up young cancer patients by entertaining them and involving them in fun games and songs. We have cooperated with “Operation Smile,” which operates free medical clinics for the needy. Our job was to entertain the patients as they waited to be treated.
Our clown team accompanied the Bedouin Health Awareness Project to help children learn about personal hygiene. We traveled several hours to remote Bedouin rural schools with a medical expert to impart this health message to the children there. Portraying the message with puppets, humor, and vivid props such as a giant toothbrush was very effective. It seems most people realize that when we laugh—we listen.
Have a good laugh; it will do you good!