When Dean and I were doing the NH circuit, we encouraged audience participation but enlisting a lady to be "Minnie Pearl" and a man to be "Grandpa Jones". We took them hats and glasses to wear. Of course Minnie would help us welcome everybody by shouting "Howdeee, I'm just so proud to be here."
And we'd have Grandpa tell us what they were having for supper. It was often hilarious what he would come up with.
I miss the nursing homes. Maybe I'll start doing them again.
As Gary says, they are the most rewarding jobs you'll ever do.
DonM