PLEASE NOTE: Helen's documentary film 'A Therapeutic Clown Emerges' is now available for purchase.
visit 'Documentary Film' page for your copy today- a great way to learn about how to train for this profession

                      THERAPEUTIC CLOWNING CERTIFICATE PROGRAM VIDEO:

We are thrilled to be leading the system and to become the first formalized training program for Therapeutic Clowning of its kind in North America! This program was a step toward matching the high standards showcased by other practitioners and trainers around the world.
Our shared aim is to provide clown artists with the appropriate skills, supervision and confidence in order for them to safely and effectively serve their future clients in healthcare; and to foster future job opportunities through ongoing supports and guidance post-graduation. The 8 wonderful clown artist graduates have since joined Helen's Not-for-profit company RED NOSE REMEDY in order to serve vulnerable populations across the age spectrum. For more information, please visit: www.rednoseremedy.ca

 OUR THERAPEUTIC CLOWNING CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

Our Therapeutic Clowning Certificate Program chose 8 wonderful clown artists for  school year 2018-2019.
They all demonstrated an interest in training professionally to gain knowledge, skills and experience in the exciting field of Therapeutic Clowning. Under the leadership of Helen Donnelly the training offered these students a comprehensive approach led by a range of highly experienced artistic and healthcare professionals who guided, accompanied and advised the students in the following areas of study:

• History and program structure of Therapeutic Clowning
• Overview of the medical world (equipment, environment, diagnoses, terminologies, safety/infection control and prevention)
• Insights into the lives and experiences of caregivers, family members and former patients
•  Bioethics, Dignity/Privacy/Respect, Reflective Practice and self-care guidelines
• Comprehensive and multifaceted artistic training (various artistic skills, development of suitable pediatric and geriatric clown personas, duo dynamics, engagement techniques)
• Supervised job shadowing and student placements in a healthcare facility

MORE ABOUT THE PROGRAM:
STRUCTURE:
This course took place on a part time basis throughout the school year. Classes were  held on Monday evenings (classroom learning) and Sunday afternoons (artistic training). Classes took place at George Brown College (St James Campus). Job shadowing and Student placements in healthcare occurred on an occasional basis (on Fridays and Saturdays) across the school year (15 shifts total).
Successful student candidates were selected by a committee who assessed their suitability based on the following criteria:
 
Student responsibilities
·       Attends at least 90% of the classes and workshops and 100% of the student placements
·       Demonstrates the ability to work well in group or pairs and an ability to be in a position of learning
·       Arrives on time to each workshop, class and placement
·       Demonstrates the ability to meet class assignments deadlines and to complete individual work
·       Abides by mandatory immunization requirements
 
 
Qualifications 
·       Minimum 2 years training in performance (i.e. theatre, movement, dance, circus, music improvisation) 
·       Minimum 1 year combination experience and training in theatrical clown work is preferred 
·       A developed clown persona, which may not be the ones used in therapeutic practice
·       Previous experience working with people in healthcare, with a disability, and/or other social settings catered for a certain vulnerable population (shelters, jails, etc) 
 
Education 
·       Post secondary Diploma or degree in humanities, the arts and/or drama preferred (not a 'must')
·       Certification in Heartsaver CPR AED/ Emergency First Aid CPR A+ AED (only needed upon acceptance before September)
 
Skills 
·       Strong interpersonal and artistic skills
·       Exceptional communication and reflective skills
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