There are some creative ways to leave a patient’s room once a performance is over, but entering a room in a fun way is also important. Hospital clowns are bizarre looking, adult-sized creatures invading a child’s room and we must appear non-threatening and approachable (minimal make-up is very important in this). My previous post, The Name Game, offered an idea for an introduction which incorporates the patient into the gag. The following skit also involves the patient and can be fun for younger children.
*DISCLAIMER: These are NOT my ideas. Both skits were created and taught by the Big Apple Circus Clown Care Unit during my training several years ago.
“Have you seen my partner?” created by the Big Apple Circus Clown Care Unit:
Clown 1 walks into the room, worried and asks: “Have you seen my partner?” When the patient says “No”, Clown 1 leaves.
Clown 2 walks in and the same exact thing happens.
Clown 1 walks in again, asking if the patient is sure they haven’t seen the partner. The patient now says yes and may say that Clown 2 just left the room and may be out in the hallway. Clown 1 runs out.
Clown 2 walks in, asking again and by now, the patient may interrupt and say that Clown 1 just left and should be nearby. Clown 2 runs out.
Clown 1 returns, but doesn’t notice that a silent Clown 2 is directly behind him. He asks the patient about Clown 2 and the patient points out that Clown 2 is behind him.**
Meanwhile, Clown 2 remains silent and smiles and waves when the patient mentions her, but each time Clown 1 attempts to turn around and see her, Clown 2 moves with Clown 1, remaining unseen.**
This can end after a third attempt by Clown 1 to turn around. You can have Clown 1 become annoyed and chase Clown 2 out, or he can scold her and move on to a trick.
**Important: When the patient tells Clown 1 that Clown 2 is behind him, Clown 1 must make it obvious which way he will attempt to turn around, so Clown 2 knows which way to go for this to work. When Clown 2 moves, it should seem natural, not like she’s obviously trying to hide.
Lucy E. Nunez has been a theatrical performer since 2002. She created Nurse Lulu for the Big Apple Circus Clown Care Unit at Nicklaus Children's Hospital in 2014. She was a resident clown there and at Baptist Children's Hospital. For more information please visit: www.sunnybearbuds.wix.com/buds