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Mr.Crebar Loyal user 231 Posts |
I recently read a book on the life of Patch Adams, a man familiarized by the popular film "Patch Adams" staring Robbin Williams. Patch obviously used the techniques of clowning and humour to console and even heal his patient. I am not a clown, but was curious as to whether you real clowns out there regard this man as significant, or inspirational to your craft? Please tell me your thoughts!
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Skip Way Inner circle 3771 Posts |
He's not insignificant by any means. I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Adams when they were filming scenes for the movie here at UNC/CH. He is imposing in height and personality and he definitely practices what he preaches. He believes that laughter unifies the spirit, mind and body and heals all three. Interestingly, he blows off the movie as little more than a means to finance and promote his campaign for universal and personable healthcare.
Patch is your atypical clown - he promotes laughter and reaching out to people through whatever means work. He's not into the greasepaint, floppy shoes, garish wigs and cartoonish behavior. He supports laughter, laughter, laughter and treating one another as human beings. I suppose he'd fall more into a Euro-clown character if you really HAD to pigeon hole him...which I wouldn't advise. What IS important about Patch is his willingness to do whatever it takes to bring a smile to a face shrouded in pain, fear or depression. There is no greater calling for the clown. In that capacity, at least, Patch is the king of clowns. If you ever get the chance to meet him...DO!
How you leave others feeling after an Experience with you becomes your Trademark.
Magic Youth Raleigh - RaleighMagicClub.org |
Bob Sanders Grammar Supervisor Magic Valley Ranch, Clanton, Alabama 20504 Posts |
For many years I have carried in my show bag a clown nose given to me in Florida by the real Patch Adams.
I value it! Bob Sanders Magic By Sander |
Bill Nuvo Inner circle 3094 Posts or 2742 Posts |
My best friend who is a clown is also a care-clown at a hospital. Patch is definitely an inspiration to her.
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Skip Way Inner circle 3771 Posts |
Patch offers annual trips to different sections of the world for anyone interested in experiencing the spreading of joy, personal service and health care. This year's planeload of "clowns" leaves for Moscow and St. Petersburg, Russia around November 5th and returns November 20th. This is not a vacation...you will work your tail off, but you'll come away with a sense of accomplishment that will last a lifetime. There is no clown experience required, only the commitment to go to the engagements. The group will clown one week in each city at hospitals, orphanages, nursing homes, hotels, subways, restaurants, everywhere. Read Patch's invitation to join the 24th Annual Clown Trip to Russia at http://www.patchadams.org/clown_trips/russia07.html
It also ain't free or cheap. Most clowns have churches or civic groups sponsor their participation in exchange for photos and a presentation on their return. His goals for these trips are (in his words): (1.) to give the participants a magical clown troupe experience, encouraging group cohesiveness in intimacy for all, and (2.) to spread as much fun and love everywhere as is humanly possible—so that all can see how easy it is, in hopes that people will take this home to their daily lives, (3.) to expose you to many Russians in hopes you will make friends with at least one, (4.) to give each the opportunity to spend two solid weeks of finding and spending their clown self, and (5.) to expose people to poverty so that each will feel the discomfort of the discrepancy between rich and poor.
How you leave others feeling after an Experience with you becomes your Trademark.
Magic Youth Raleigh - RaleighMagicClub.org |
Mr.Crebar Loyal user 231 Posts |
That's wonderful to hear. As always gentlemen, thank you for taking the time to answer my questions.
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Bob Sanders Grammar Supervisor Magic Valley Ranch, Clanton, Alabama 20504 Posts |
As the time draws near for the Patch Adams trip, I just wanted to wish you all a safe and productive trip. Come home and show what you've learned!
Bob Sanders Magic By Sander |
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