CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF HOSPITAL CLOWNING
This fall, I will begin my 25th year of working as a hospital clown.
It's hard to believe that 25 years have passed since I first started doing this work as Squeeze the Clown. As I mark the beginning of my 25th year, I want to take a moment to think about my history as a hospital clown.
I was excited to be hired by the Big Apple Circus and to be one of the original members of the Big Apple Circus Clown Care Unit in Atlanta. Michael Christensen of the Big Apple Circus created the modern idea of hospital clowning. I’m proud to have that connection to Michael and the BIg Apple Circus. As a new hire, I was one of eight members who traveled from Atlanta to New York for weeks of training in hospitals and studio rehearsals. These rehearsals were artistically inspiring, and the hospital work was emotionally challenging. I was drawn to using humor to lift spirits, and children's hospitals were new to me. At the time, I didn't realize the impact a clown could have in a setting like a hospital. But I did know that I wanted to make people laugh.
Hospitals can be scary places, especially for children. The sterile environment and the uncertainty can be overwhelming. Our role was to break through that fear with joy, a moment of levity, and a heartfelt connection. In this work, I discovered I could use many of the talents and skills I have developed. I could improv, play the ukulele or the accordion, juggle, or do magic tricks. Artistically, it was an open book to apply any of my skills to the work whenever I could.
Over the years, I've seen that hospital clowning is more than just making people laugh. It's about connection, empathy, and resilience. Every hospital room we walk into is different. Every patient, family member, and staff member we meet brings a unique energy and story. Our job is to tune in, find the rhythm of the room, and figure out how we can bring a little light into it.
For my first 15 years in this work, I felt like I had found an artistic home. During this time, I enjoyed working with Karen McCarty and the other staff at Big Apple Circus Clown Care. Karen was an excellent mentor who challenged me by giving me more responsibilities in the organization and offering artistic challenges.
I'm grateful to the patients' families and hospital staff. During my time at a hospital, Clown, I've seen firsthand how humor can be a bridge; I've seen humor make connections. Some of the most powerful moments have been quiet, where no words were needed. A simple gesture, a shared giggle, or a presence can make a difference. This work has taught me how to listen deeply, see beyond illness, and find joy in even the darkest moments.
The past 25 years has also had its share of difficulties for me. Several years ago, the Atlanta Clown team and I took a leap of faith and created a new company called Humorology Atlanta. The goal was to continue hospital work and expand the reach beyond the confines of traditional hospital settings and into other communities. Despite our best efforts, the project did not achieve the success we had hoped for. It's tough to see something you've worked to create fail. In hindsight, the experience taught me lessons about resilience, adaptability, and the importance of staying true to the core mission.
As I mark 25 years as a hospital clown, I am grateful. I am grateful for the patients who have allowed me into their lives, the families who have trusted me with their most vulnerable moments, and the hospital staff who have welcomed me as part of their care teams. I've laughed with children and cried with parents. I've also enjoyed working with a wonderfully talented group of clown artists. One of the best joys of doing this work is knowing that you had partners working with you who are gifted and committed to this work. It has been such a pleasure to work with excellent clown partners.
I'm starting my 25th year, and we have a bright future. The Atlanta team is now part of the Laughter League, and I'm excited about the opportunities we have with them.
As I move into the next phase of my journey, I'm excited to continue exploring the intersections of humor and healing. I'll keep learning, adapting, and growing as a performer and as a person.
Twenty-five years and counting,
