Performer – Red Nose District
Kathleen is a Toronto-based artist specializing in therapeutic clowning; using the authenticity, sensitivity, playfulness and creativity of the clown to help people cope with illness and disability. She has worked as a therapeutic clown artist since 2001 (Sick Kids, Holland Bloorview, Dr Clown), co-founded and was the General Manager of the Toronto Division of Dr Clown (2007- 2012), and is a founding member of the Canadian Association of Therapeutic Clowns.
A graduate of Queen’s University Drama, The National Theatre School of Canada (Directing) and the Loose Moose International Improv School, she has worked as a comedienne/clown, director and producer in children’s television (Treehouse TV), as a performer, director and producer in theatre for adults as well as a teacher of improvisation at the Second City Training Centre in Toronto. She has studied the art of theatrical clown and improvisation with some of the world’s most acclaimed theatre trainers including John Turner and Michael Kennard (Mump&Smoot), Philippe Gaulier, Karen Hines, Keith Johnstone, Grindl Kuchirka, Leah Cherniak, Francine Cote and Jean-Bernard Bonange (Bataclown).
Kathleen worked for 15 yrs in theatre and television before discovering that her true passion lay within the heart of a red nose in service. Kathleen is thrilled to be building her life’s work around her red nose, contributing to health and healing through empowering play, compassionate care and life-enhancing humour. Having worked with people across the age spectrum and with a huge range of illness and disability, she is currently working with adults and elders in various hospital and long-term care settings in Toronto. Kathleen aims to create a local organization dedicated to deepening and developing the practice, and to delivering therapeutic clown services where they are most needed.
