and erupts into a thundering laughter In the church, the clowns-in-training that’s contagious to the whole group. sit in a circle holding onto their props, which they will use when they volun“Everyone has a clown in them. You teer in the homes. The props range just have to find it,” says Lorraine from a rubber chicken, to a miniature Cheng, a retired financial analyst, as dachshund toy, to a tiny frog whose she gasps for breath after a session of eyes pop out when squeezed. laughing. The clowns turn their backs when There are around 40 graduates of the putting on their noses and turn to Caring Clowns program who ded- face each other once they’ve transicate 12 weeks to in-class learning. formed. They silently stare at their The length of the rest of their train- prop as Del Grande instructs them ing varies with the completion of a to really think about their relationvolunteer orientation session at one ship with it. It’s an odd sight to see of the homes, and three supervised a group of people 50 and older starpracticum visits. And while many of ing lovingly at a prop, but this gives the students say that the class has giv- them the opportunity to reflect on en them incredible personal insight, what they’re doing and how it’s not it’s not all about loud and boisterous silly, but dignifying. fun. Students are taught conflict resolution strategies for situations where Taking every aspect of clowning sepatients may be irritable, upset, or riously is what differentiates clownconfused. Although they naturally ing for seniors from clowning for exude a pleasant spirit, the Caring kids. By creating this relationship Clowns also practice a deeper level of with their objects, the clowns learn thoughtfulness to have meaningful the gentleness and instinctive nature that’s foundational to how long term interactions with the residents. care homes operate.
Although they naturally exude a pleasant spirit, the Caring Clowns also practice a deeper level of thoughtfulness to have meaning ful interactions with the residents.
For example, a caring clown’s costume can be relatable to their audience. Barbara Ellenson, who graduated from the program last year, wears a red lace slip over top of her pyjamas with socks pulled up high. She explains that dementia patients
have a hard time getting dressed in the morning, hence the outfit. “They sometimes leave their room without any clothes on. So they can relate to this [outfit], but usually all they say is my socks are wrong,” says Ellenson, whose clown name is Roxie. Laura Tyson, whose clown name is Laura Doo from Saskatoon, spreads happiness through her ukulele. Dressed in a colourful men’s ‘90s shirt and a straw hat with a sunflower flopping over the side, Tyson walks down the white halls of the home strumming and singing. Vacant stares from the residents soon turn to smiles. One man even sits up a little taller as she passes and sings along to “You Are My Sunshine.” She sits down beside him to finish the song and to have a conversation about music. He’s a resident she has visited before. “By making someone happy, it’s made me more compassionate.The caring clowns have brought that out of me,” Tyson says. She waves goodbye to the man and continues down the hall, spreading a bit of music and happiness in a place craving a little more laughter.