THERAPEUTIC CLOWN 2: The Melodramatic Clown in Geriatric Care

Five days to explore the language of melodramatic clown work as adapted for visits in geriatric settings, with a particular focus on people living with dementia.

With Olivier-Hugues Terreault 
(Montreal – Rio de Janeiro – Montpellier)

PLEASE NOTE: This workshop is designed for people who have already completed Therapeutic Clown 1: The Relational Clown. It can also be extended through a personalized coaching experience in a long-term care facility. 

Grounded in artistic clown practice (drawing primarily from Francine Côté's technique), this workshop explores techniques specific to the melodramatic clown style and how to adapt them to the needs of people living in old age and/or with neurodegenerative conditions.

We will specifically explore:

• Five wonderful inner states we aim to awaken in each elder we visit;
• Five corresponding techniques particular to clown work in geriatric settings.
• How to tailor our clown to each person's sensitivity, inner world, and abilities.

We will deepen our understanding of:

• What the lived experience of dementia actually is — and what it is not.
• The needs of people living in care facilities, in advanced old age, and/or with dementia.
• What quality of life can still be experienced, and what the clown uniquely brings to it.
• How to meaningfully involve family members and care staff in our improvisations.