Hospital clowns can come across some issues that party clowns may not face, so the hospital clown must be prepared for any circumstance. Many hospital areas are small, crowded or full of equipment, but still welcome clown visits. Time to simplify. With a squeaker hidden in her or his hand, the clown doctor or nurse can “diagnose” squeaky shoulder, toe or knee syndrome by pressing on the area and hearing a squeak!
Tips: A “squeak removal” can be done with a thumb light (pretend that’s the squeak), and then “place” the light in a jar or pocket. A red nose sticker can be a “bandaid”, but always stick it on the tip of the nose (ask permission). If they ask to see the squeaker or fake thumb, quickly place both hands in pockets and ask them to repeat that. Then show empty hands.
Take all this very “seriously” and have fun! (Remember, adults, visitors and employees are all fair game and enjoy hospital silliness as much as the children do!)
Here’s how to hide the squeaker in your hand and squeeze it:
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Use a simple small or medium round squeaker.
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Hold the squeaker with your middle, ring finger and pinky, making sure you do not cover the part where the sound comes out.
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As you touch something to “diagnose” it, squeeze the squeaker with your middle, ring finger and pinky.
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Make sure your hand is in a position that can hide the squeaker while squeezing it and touching the area. (Make sure to touch only with one finger and only in appropriate areas such as shoulder, toe or knee.)
Lucy E. Nunez has been a theatrical performer since 2002 and created Nurse Lulu for the Big Apple Circus Clown Care program in 2014. For more information please visit: www.sunnybearbuds.wix.com/buds