CLOWN DOCTOR SKILLS

"The arrival of a good clown exercises a more beneficial influence on the health of a town than the arrival of 20 asses laden with drugs".
Dr Thomas Sydenham (17th Century physician)

Clown Doctors are professionals. They need very special skills. This is interactive clowning in an intimate environment.

Clown Doctors are based on a medical model. They have names such as Dr B Looney, Dr Phil Betta and Dr Smarty Pants. They wear white ‘doctor’ coats with plenty of pockets for finger puppets, bubble mixture and other assorted props, and a stethoscope around the neck.  Colourful costumes, very little make-up and a red nose complete the look.  Each Clown Doctor has his or her own unique style and routines.

So what skills does a Clown Doctor need? As well as excellent performance and improvisation skills, Clown Doctors need people skills. Sensitivity, flexibility, warmth and caring are vital.

Clown Doctors are professional, very experienced performers in Clown and improvisation with additional skills that include music, mime, puppetry or magic. Some performers are from a theatre background, others are solo performers.

Clown Doctors work in teams of two, so Clown Doctors need to be able to work with a partner.  The Humour Foundation provides initial training in working in the hospital setting. Opportunities for professional development are ongoing with internal and external workshops on hospital issues and skill development. Clown Doctors from all over Australia attend an annual conference.