Reflecting on 2024: The education initiatives of 2024

At RED NOSES International, we believe that knowledge is the foundation of meaningful work. This philosophy not only applies to children and students but also extends to our artists. To ensure they are equipped to bring joy and laughter to those who need it most, education is a cornerstone of our approach. 

Specialized Training for Healthcare Clowns

Every year, we offer workshops in Vienna featuring both internationally renowned teachers and internal experts. These workshops provide a space for learning, skill enhancement, and invaluable international exchange. Over the course of four days, artists from 11 countries come together to discuss, share experiences, and embrace cultural differences while speaking the same artistic language. 

The programming of the workshops, their topics, and teachers are not randomly chosen. Together with our Chief Artistic Director, Christophe Dumalin, the needs of our Partner Offices, our artists, and the programs we serve are carefully evaluated. This ensures that the education provided is both relevant and impactful. 

Highlights of 2024 Training

In 2024, we hosted 16 workshops for 245 participants, focusing on key areas such as clowning for older adults and “Physical Comedy and Slapstick Techniques”. These trainings were designed to address specific challenges our artists face in the field:

Clowning for Older Adults

Workshops dedicated to clowning for older adults offered insights on engaging with this audience, including those living with dementia. Artists learned techniques to adapt their performances to meet the needs of individuals with visual or hearing impairments. This included slowing movements, making them more pronounced, speaking or singing louder, and using colourful costume to stand out visually. Another challenge frequently encountered is capturing the attention of individuals who often look downward. Artists explored strategies to spark interest within this limited visual frame, ensuring meaningful interactions. 

Physical Comedy and Slapstick Techniques

Physical comedy and slapstick techniques are integral to clowning, but mastering these skills requires dedication and practice. It always seems so easy from the outside, but it is a skill hard to master. The unique environments in which our artists work, such as hospitals and elderly care homes, present additional challenges. The workshops provided opportunities for artists to refine their abilities, explore new ideas, and reignite their curiosity.

Strengthening Collaboration and Adaptability

Collaboration is at the heart of our artists' work, as they primarily perform in duos, which makes it easier and harder at the same time. While this dynamic offers mutual support, it also requires clear communication and sustained energy. On one hand, the artists need to be clear on their proposals for the partners and being able to keep the energy at a certain level. On the other hand, the artists have someone to save them, to carry them. Through targeted workshops, participants honed their ability to understand and respond to their partners without words, maintaining focus and connection. 

Essential Tools of the Healthcare Clown

A healthcare clown’s toolkit is diverse, encompassing skills such as singing, playing instruments, and understanding the specific needs of different groups. Equally important is the ability to judge when to engage with patients, doctors, or nurses and when to keep the play contained to avoid disrupting the environment. These nuanced skills are a critical part of our training programs, ensuring our artists are prepared for any situation.

Supporting Lifelong Learning

For artists who have already completed our basic education, maintaining curiosity and a drive for discovery is essential. It can be challenging to avoid becoming too reliant on familiar routines. To address this, we designed workshops specifically aimed at encouraging experienced artists to explore new approaches, refine their existing skills, and continue growing in their craft.

Gratitude and Looking Ahead

This year’s journey with our teachers and artists is coming to an end, filled with many memories and laughter. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all of them who generously shared their expertise this year. Their openness and dedication have been instrumental in shaping our artists’ growth. As we reflect on an impactful 2024, we look forward to continuing this exciting journey of learning and collaboration in the coming year.