Today we’d like to introduce you to Cheryl Lekousi and Kenny Raskin.
Cheryl and Kenny, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I grew up knowing about hospital clowning. My father was a magician by trade and he volunteered at Children’s Hospital Boston in the 1950s and 60s as a hospital clown. His routine was nothing like today’s hospital clowns who are trained in hygiene, child development and empowerment techniques, but he was a talented engaging fellow.
My background is in childcare and special needs. A parent whose son was in my daycare was an actor and volunteered in a hospital clown troupe. She told me the troupe was expanding and I should try out. Not being a performer, I didn’t think I would be a good fit but she explained that it’s not about performance but child-centered play. I am all about play. I set up an interview with Jeannie Lindheim, the founder of the troupe. Next problem, what do you wear to a hospital clown interview?
I trained with a group of wonderful people. We learned clown character, improvisation and how to make an offer of play to a hospitalized child. Eighteen years later I have learned so much and continue to learn about the art and craft of clowning.
In 2005, I was brought on as E.D. Executive Director and A.D. Artistic Director as the troupe was growing and evolving and needed a tighter organization.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
We have been growing in numbers of clowns, hospitals and professionalism over the years. A challenge we have been happy to have is to keep up with the growth in the field of medical clowning both in America and internationally. Last year the troupe brought in former Cirque du Soleil clown and Broadway performer Kenny Raskin as artistic director. Kenny has brought great impact to our skill set, and has been an asset in training new clowns
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Hearts & Noses Hospital Clown Troupe – what should we know?
Hearts & Noses Hospital Clown Troupe is specially trained to engage, empower and give choices to children in a medical environment.
Every year our clowns visit more than 3,000 hospitalized children, infusing hope into the toughest moments for both the children and their families.
Our clowns receive extensive professional training in the delicate art of engaging children in the hospital. In contrast to the stress of dealing with medical care, this type of clowning helps the child feel engaged, thereby opening the door to healing.
Hospitalized children are given few choices but with a hospital clown, they are in control. We only go where we are wanted, so we always get permission to engage. That can be as simple as verbally asking, or as creative as finding other ways to read the child’s interest. The visit continues to be all about the child, not their illness or injury. From the first moment that we are with them, the focus is on play, fun and to the child his or herself.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
You might think we are always looking for laughter, and laughter is wonderful to hear in a hospital. What I look for, however, is a connection. There have been times when I didn’t think anything special happened in a room, just a nice little visit, but a parent or staff would tell me that this was the first time the child smiled since coming to the hospital. We hear things like “I haven’t heard her laugh like that in ages.” Or “he’s been asking for you to come visit.” That feels like success!
On a recent visit to a bone marrow transplant unit, my partner and I checked in on a three-year-old who was asleep on the daybed, hugging her well-worn teddy. Her father met us at the door looking exhausted. “She had a bad night but was asking for you since yesterday.” We said we’d check back later and when we did she was wide -awake and waiting for us. She sat back and watched a magic trick with a hankie. Poor clown, try as I may, it wouldn’t work. I asked if she could blow on my fist that held the hankie. It disappeared “Daddy! I’m full of magic air!” That feels like success!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.heartsandnoses.org
- Phone: 877-CLOWN12 (877.256.9612)
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Hearts-Noses-Hospital-Clown-Troupe-112097046354/?ref=br_rs
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
