How to Be Clinical Clown - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jun 12, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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Clinical clowns are individuals who use theatrical performance and humor to promote healing in clinical settings. They use physical comedy, improvisation, storytelling, music and other creative activities to bring joy and reduce stress for those in healthcare facilities. Research has shown that the presence of a clinical clown can have a positive effect on patients, resulting in improved physical, mental and emotional health outcomes.

Patients tend to experience less anxiety, depression and pain when a clinical clown is present. their presence can help improve communication between healthcare providers and patients, and aid in the recovery process. The use of laughter as a therapeutic tool has also been shown to have positive effects on the immune system, providing long-term benefits for patients.

Steps How to Become

Research the field of clinical clowning to find out if it is a good fit for you. Clinical clowns are performers who use humor and play to bring joy and comfort to those who are ill, disabled, or in need of emotional support. You should have an understanding of the medical field, be comfortable with interacting with people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities, and have a strong sense of empathy.
Obtain a degree in theater or performing arts. Most clinical clowns have a background in the performing arts, and a college degree in theater or another related field can be beneficial.
Develop your performing skills. Clinical clowns need to be able to act, juggle, sing, dance, and create comedy sketches. Take classes in these areas and practice your skills.
Find an apprenticeship program or volunteer opportunity to gain experience. Many hospitals and organizations offer clinical clowning programs that you can join as an apprentice or volunteer. This will give you the opportunity to learn from more experienced clowns and gain valuable experience.
Join a professional organization for clinical clowns. This will allow you to network with other professionals in the field, stay up to date on the latest news and trends, and find job opportunities.
Consider certification in clinical clowning. Certified clinical clowns have met certain standards of training and experience, which can help you stand out from other applicants. Certification programs are offered by several organizations around the world.

The effectiveness and efficiency of a Clinical Clown is largely dependent on staying up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in the field. Keeping abreast of new techniques and strategies can help Clinical Clowns stay engaged with their work and ensure they are providing the best possible care to their patients. Regular training, research, and education are key to ensuring Clinical Clowns are able to provide the best services possible.

staying connected with other Clinical Clowns and organizations is important for sharing experiences and staying informed. By taking these steps, Clinical Clowns can keep their practice relevant and ensure they are providing the highest quality of care for their patients.

You may want to check Music Maker/Clown, Stilt Walker/Clown, and Theater Clown for alternative.

Job Description

Arrive on site in a timely manner and dress in the appropriate clown costume and makeup.
Interact with patients in a positive and caring manner.
Perform clowning tricks and skits, including juggling, magic, storytelling, and balloon sculpting.
Engage in activities that encourage patient interaction and participation.
Facilitate activities that are developmentally appropriate for the age of the patient.
Understand and follow hospital protocols for patient care and safety.
Document interactions with patients in hospital records.
Participate in hospital events, such as parades, birthday parties, and other special occasions.
Maintain a clean and safe work environment.
Communicate effectively with the healthcare team, including doctors, nurses, and other staff members.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Ability to maintain a safe and supportive environment
Creative problem solving
Excellent communication skills
Good improvisational skills
Knowledge of child development
Knowledge of therapeutic techniques
Ability to establish rapport with clients
Ability to work with a team
Understanding of medical terminology
Good organizational skills
Ability to manage stress
Ability to use humor in a therapeutic manner
Understanding of music and rhythm

Clinical clowning is a type of therapeutic intervention that involves using humor and creativity to bring joy and laughter to patients in healthcare settings. It is an important skill set to have, as it can have a positive effect on the mental and physical wellbeing of patients. A clinical clown can help to reduce stress levels, improve communication between healthcare providers and patients, and increase patient satisfaction.

clowning can provide a safe space for children to express themselves and can help to alleviate the feelings of isolation or depression that often accompany long-term hospital stays. Clinical clowns also play an important role in providing support for family members of patients. By creating a light-hearted atmosphere, clowns can help ease the tension in the waiting area and enable family members to focus on what is most important the wellbeing of their loved ones.

Restoration Clown, Clown Costume Designer, and Social Circus Artist/Clown are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What inspired you to pursue a career as a clinical clown?
What qualities do you possess that make you a great clinical clown?
How do you stay current on the latest developments in the field of clinical clowning?
Explain a time when you have used humor to help someone through a difficult situation.
How do you create an atmosphere of trust and safety for patients during a clinical clowning session?
Describe your approach to working with children in a clinical setting.
How do you get creative when working with patients who may not respond well to traditional therapeutic methods?
What do you believe are the benefits of clinical clowning?
What strategies do you use to help patients communicate their thoughts, feelings, and emotions?
How do you ensure that safety and security protocols are followed during a clinical clowning session?

Common Tools in Industry

Mental Imagery. A technique used to help people visualize positive outcomes in various life scenarios (e. g. picturing yourself feeling confident and relaxed before a big presentation).
Emotional Regulation. A set of skills used to help people manage difficult emotions in healthy ways (e. g. taking deep breaths, talking through feelings, or using calming activities).
Inviting Playfulness. A practice of creating a fun and lighthearted atmosphere to help people feel comfortable and open up (e. g. using props, games, or music to engage with the patient).
Creative Problem Solving. An approach to finding solutions to challenging situations by using creative thinking (e. g. exploring different perspectives, brainstorming ideas, or using role playing).
Listening and Responding. An important skill used to actively listen to anothers point of view, understand their feelings, and respond with empathy (e. g. nodding, making eye contact, and repeating back what was said).

Professional Organizations to Know

International Association of Clowns (IAC)
Clowns of America International (COAI)
World Clown Association (WCA)
American Clown Academy (ACA)
The Big Apple Circus Clown Care Unit
The Big Top Academy of Circus Arts
Association of Skilled Clowns
National Association of Therapeutic Clowns
European Federation of Professional Circus Schools
International Network of Clowns

We also have Emcee/Clown, Circus Clown Teacher, and Clown-for-Hire jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Clown Therapy. A form of therapy in which a specially trained and certified Clinical Clown uses humor and play to help people with physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs.
Humor Therapy. The therapeutic use of humor to improve physical and psychological health.
Laughter Therapy. A form of therapy that uses laughter and humor as a tool to help improve mental and physical health.
Play Therapy. A form of therapy that uses play activities to help children express their feelings and learn healthy ways to interact with others.
Therapeutic Clowning. A form of therapeutic intervention that uses clowning techniques to help people with physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is Clinical Clowning? A1: Clinical Clowning is a form of therapeutic entertainment that uses the power of humor to help people in hospitals, hospices, and other health care settings manage stress, cope with pain, and reduce anxiety. Q2: How do Clinical Clowns help people? A2: Clinical Clowns use a combination of humor, improvisation, playfulness, and emotional connection to help people in health care settings explore their feelings, express themselves, and improve their overall wellbeing. Q3: How long have Clinical Clowns been used in health care settings? A3: Clinical Clowns have been used in health care settings for over 30 years. The first Clinical Clown program was established in Israel in 1983. Q4: What are the benefits of Clinical Clowning? A4: Clinical Clowning has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood and overall wellbeing, and even reduce the need for pain medication. It also helps to create a more relaxed atmosphere in health care settings, leading to improved patient outcomes. Q5: Who can become a Clinical Clown? A5: Anyone can become a Clinical Clown with the right training. The International Association of Clinical Clowns (IACC) offers courses and certifications for anyone interested in becoming a Clinical Clown.

Web Resources

iS CLINICAL isclinicaledu.com
Clinical Concentration | Crown Family School of Social Work, crownschool.uchicago.edu
Clinical Psychology Internship Training Program clinical-psychology.med.brown.edu