Magic Man

A bachelor's degree in political science from UF isn't all Marc Dodd pulled out of his hat.

By Morgan Lord

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During his junior year at UF, Dodd decided that despite his mother's dreams of law school, he would follow his own unique passion and become a magician.

"I was 6 years old and I can remember standing in the checkout line pleading with my mother, trying to get her to buy me these cheap magic tricks," Dodd says. "She finally caved in, and I went straight home and memorized all the tricks."

Marc the Amazing was born.

About a year later, Dodd performed in front of his first audience who paid a quarter to see his 10-minute act.

Now, at the age of 24, he still performs, but with over 150 balloon animals, a litter-box trained rabbit named 'Jeepers' and 'Poof' the magic dove.

"It's not just a clown's work," Dodd says. "Good magic is the perfect combination of theater and illusions."

He became well known around campus at Student Government's Gator Nights, where he walked to each table in the Reitz Union performing card tricks and making balloon animals. His favorites include a monkey in a palm tree and a giraffe swallowing a coconut.

"At Gator Nights, everyone always wanted a balloon
creation." Dodd says. "They would swarm around me and yell out what animal they wanted. They begged more than kids do at birthday parties."