Patrick van den Boom
Biografie, clown, performer, teacher, trainer
Biography
Clowning is in my bloodstream. It has become clear to me that I want to do this work. I am very happy that I managed to make my profession out of my passion. It means a lot to me and I see it as a luxurious position.
After a period of theatre and dance I decided at the end of the nineties to go to the Dutch Clown School. This was as plain as a pikestaff.
I have been told that I said that I wanted to be a clown since age two. Yep, sometimes it is clear from the start!
Since 2002 I work for the Faria-Clowns foundation. Here we clown for the elderly, especially human beings who are demented.
To be honest, I think every day: "I am allowed to go to my work again!" I put my clothes and my nose in my bag and off I go. Making new contacts, singing and a lot of fun, quite often about nothing. More and more I discover how much Nothing is and how much Nothing can be. Te be in Nothing together and to see the healthy soul behind or in the elderly people. Wonderful and necessary work! www.faria-clowns.nl
In 2003 and 2004 I attended the Vocal Dance & Voice Movement Integration & Bodywork Practice. This is where I got really inspired for my work as clown and as teacher/trainer.
In the beginning of 2006 I began to work as a CliniClown. Some say that this is a heavy job, but I love the special and varied work, with a lot of fun with the children in the hospitals. It is great to play with the healthy part of the kids. This doesn't disappear, even though they can be very ill. www.cliniclowns.nl
My approach to clowning
A basic principle of clowning is that the clown lives and exists in the here and now.
In the grandiosity of Nothing is the beginning of the magic. The mystique of the clown is not-knowing anything yet feeling at ease with that.
I see many similarities between nature and the clown. Nature is of course always here and now.
The clown says 'yes' to every situation. He finds his way even when there is no way.
He is honest and transparent. A clown is not funny by definition. The audience will be the judge! Contact with the audience is very important and one could say that you have to earn it time and time again. Because situations are always new, you are constantly exploring: Am I welcome? Do I get permission to take it a bit further?
When playing in front of an audience I see the audience as the director of the meeting.
When a clowns-act is made, you yourself can, for a great deal, decide how much contact you have with the audience. Important is to remain transparent and open to the reactions you get from the audience.
The Clown and you share the same body. Your senses are your antennas. Our body is always honest and present. Mimics and body language speak for itself. Because it has been proven that more then 90% of all communication is non-verbal, I love to be speechless when I'm at work.
Download Patrick's CV here!
Guest teachers
Jacqueline Kaptein