Circus Sarasota takes the show to assisted living facilities
Quick Answer: Circus Sarasota runs a year-round outreach program called "Laughter Unlimited," in which trained clowns and performers visit nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and centers for people with disabilities five days a week to spread joy and teach life skills.
SARASOTA – Circus Sarasota is now nearing the end of their winter program, with their final show this Friday night. But even after the tent goes dark, the show goes on, because those performances are only the tip of the iceberg.
Circus Sarasota continues its service to the community all year long, and that includes their outreach program “Laughter Unlimited.” Five days a week, specially trained clowns and other Circus Sarasota performers go into nursing homes, assisted living homes, and facilities that serve people with disabilities.
There, they not only make the residents laugh, but they inspire them to use their abilities and their talents to the maximum.
The Laughter Unlimited team got a royal welcome at the United Cerebral Palsy Center in Bradenton this week. “We don’t just come in and put on a show and present a performance, our clients are vested in the program because we trust them and they trust us,” says performer Chuck Sidlow.
Laughter Unlimited visits there twice a month. This is one of their many stops. Every week, they hit two facilities a day, spreading joy and teaching life skills, like better communication. “Most of the Laughter Unlimited programs are dealing in the senior community with Alzheimer dementia independent living, as well as assisted living for our aging folks. First the hearing goes, then the speech, so communication is very, very important.”
Clients don’t just sit back and watch, they’re a part of the show. They sing, they make music, they perform circus tricks. They’ve been to see Circus Sarasota, and they pretend to be Nik Wallenda.
You can see the applause they get means a lot to them. “Our wonderful friends here at UCP get a wonderful sense of accomplishment and a sense of empowerment,” says performer Billy Bob.
The staff at UCP says Laughter Unlimited makes a major difference in the lives they touch there. “Their main focus is to help the individual find their talent and their desires and use that to develop a sense of humor and just have a great time,” says Gail Lesko.
At a Glance
Key Facts
- Circus Sarasota's winter program is nearing its end, with its final show on Friday night.
- Laughter Unlimited is Circus Sarasota's community outreach program that runs year-round.
- Performers visit nursing homes, assisted living homes, and disability facilities five days a week, hitting two facilities a day.
- The Laughter Unlimited team visited the United Cerebral Palsy Center in Bradenton, which they visit twice a month.
- Clients actively participate by singing, making music, performing circus tricks, and pretending to be Nik Wallenda.
- The program focuses on helping seniors and clients with communication, especially those affected by Alzheimer's, dementia, or hearing/speech loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Laughter Unlimited?
Laughter Unlimited is Circus Sarasota's outreach program in which specially trained clowns and performers visit nursing homes, assisted living homes, and facilities serving people with disabilities.
How often does Laughter Unlimited visit facilities?
The program operates five days a week, visiting two facilities a day, and specifically visits the United Cerebral Palsy Center in Bradenton twice a month.
Who benefits from the Laughter Unlimited program?
The program primarily serves the senior community, including those with Alzheimer's and dementia, people in independent and assisted living, and clients at facilities like the United Cerebral Palsy Center.
What do clients do during Laughter Unlimited visits?
Clients don't just watchu2014they sing, make music, perform circus tricks, and even pretend to be Nik Wallenda, gaining a sense of accomplishment and empowerment.
When is Circus Sarasota's final winter show?
According to the article, Circus Sarasota's final winter show was scheduled for that Friday night.
