Who We Are & What We Do
Mission and History
Our Mission: To enhance health and well-being through laughter and joy.
Our Vision: To integrate the art of medical clowning into health care.
Our Values: Play - Laughter - Joy - Trust - Imagination
Using a playful, interactive approach, medical clowns employ music, physical comedy, improvisation, and circus arts to support healing. Stress relief, distraction, reduction of anxiety and pain and empowerment of patients are just a few of the measurable benefits. In addition, medical clowning helps build trust between physicians and patients, especially when a patient is feeling frightened or in pain, and has been shown to have positive clinical outcomes. Room Circus clowns create a circle of trust that encompasses everyone in the room – providers, families, patients and staff.
In addition to being acclaimed stage performers, Room Circus clowns are trained in the procedures, protocol and sensitivity involved in working in health care environments. Our clowns recognize and consider the physical and emotional state of each patient, and adapt interactions according to patients’ needs, whether it’s raucous humor, a tender lullaby, or a visual spectacle.
Room Circus is modeled after the prestigious Big Apple Circus Clown Care program that operated in Seattle Children’s Hospital for eleven years. It ended in 2009, due to the economic downturn, and Room Circus was created four years later, in July 2013. We plan to expand within Seattle Children’s Hospital, to other hospitals, elder care, and hospice facilities.
Medical Clowning In the News
Medical Clowning has seen success in many situations around the world. Here are some great articles about how Medical Clowning has improved the lives of many.
Tapping Into Dementia Patients’ Memories Through Vaudeville
New York Times
Nov. 11, 2017
Surgery for Kids: Send in the Clowns!
MD Magazine
Jun 30, 2016
By Jeannette Wick
2 Palestinian Clowns Offer Relief to Kids in Gaza Hospitals
Seattle Times March 22, 2016
Pacific Standard
Jan 8, 2016
By Wes Judd
A Conversation About the Surprisingly Serious Role of Medical Clowns
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Filmmaker Sasha Kapustina is capturing this unique profession as it becomes an integral part to hospitals in Jerusalem.
Pacific StandardBy Wes Judd
Oct. 15, 2015
Clowning Around May Be Good Medicine for Kids Facing Surgery
US News & World Report May 15, 2015, at 4:00 p.m
Medical Clowns are a Valuable Tool According to “Dream Doctor” at ASU Talk
Downtown Devil – “The front page of Downtown Phoenix”
By Daniel Perle
How to Cheer Children in Hospitals? Bring in the Clowns
Boston Globe
By Beverly Beckham
Stress Relief from Laughter? It's No Joke
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When it comes to relieving stress, more giggles and guffaws are just what the doctor ordered. Here's why.
Mayo Clinic