WORKSHOPS

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Humor and Health: A Decade of Israeli Innovations in Medical Clowning

FREE Public Artist Talk and Breakfast Reception
Medical Clowning has achieved widespread recognition for its impressive positive impact on patient health in hospital settings. Artists Alina Ashbel and Vally Kulas have practiced this art form in Israel for more than a decade and are now mentoring the next generation of performers. This presentation will cover the philosophy of medical clowning and will present case studies related to each artist's experience. Major innovations and future frontiers will also be discussed. Health care professionals, performers, and any interested community members are welcome to attend. RSVP to: artistic@puppetshowplace.org.

4:30 - 7:30 PM The First Steps: Techniques for Engaging Hospitalized Children in Performance
FREE Intensive Workshop for Professional Artists. Enrollment Limited to 15 Participants.
Led by master artists Alina Ashbel and Vally Kulas, this workshop will acquaint participants with the performance techniques used to transform a hospital situation into a non-threatening, theatrical interaction. Instructors will cover the philosophy of medical clowning and guide participants towards techniques for entering a hospital room, acquiring a patient's consent, and engaging a child in one-on-one performance.
E-mail a statement of interest to artistic@puppetshowplace.org to apply. Preference will be given to those who can also attend the morning session.