Professionals from around the world will be participating (with or without a red nose) in a unique first international seminar for advanced medical clowning next week at the University of Haifa.

Medical clowning is a growing professional discipline, gaining extensive authority and recognition around the world, and in many locations is considered an indispensible part of the medical system. A unique blend of professional training and academic studies with some of the world’s leading experts – from Canada, the USA, Russia, Holland and more – will be participating in the “First Advanced Medical Clowning International Summer Seminar” at the University of Haifa. The workshops, lectures, round-table discussions, and hospital visits will enable professional participants (who have been advised to bring along their red noses and tricks) to polish their technique and reflect on key issues in the field, while learning about methods and approaches employed by clown doctors around the world.

Among those participating are experienced, innovative medical clowns, who are pioneers in their various specialty areas, will be Michael Christensen, founder of New York City’s Big Apple Circus Clown Care Unit.

The First Advanced Medical Clowning International Summer Seminar will be held at the University of Haifa from July 8-July 20, 2012.

The seminar is organized by the University of Haifa’s Department of Theater and head of the University of Haifa’s Medical Clowning Master’s degree program, Dr. Atay Citron, in cooperation with the Dream Doctors, Israel.

Sessions will include:

• “Human First, Red Nose Second”, Michael Christensen

• “Clowning, End-of-life and Palliative Medicine”, Dr. Gilly Peleg

• “Improvisation and Flexibility”, Dr. Atay Citron

• “Medical Clowning in Disaster Zones”, David Barashi

The sessions will be in English.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)