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Trivial Pursuits
 Cullen finds magical calling
 Photo by Ben Dashwood Dan Cullen (right), a first-year Savannah College of Art and Design student, entertains Kevin Small and Chrissy Shalette in Forsyth Park with some of his magic effects Nov. 14. By Monique Bos Published: Friday, November 18, 2005 First-year Savannah College of Art and Design student Dan Cullen knows exactly what he wants to do with the rest of his life: perform magic. He’s already laid the groundwork for a successful career, entertaining audiences — his largest was 800 people — at parties, corporate dinners and other events in his hometown of Washington, Ind. “I’m booked up for the whole time I’m back for winter break,” said Cullen, whose first professional appearance was at a graduation party when he was a high school junior. “Word of mouth is how it all started. I’ve never once had to advertise myself.” Cullen’s effects are based on mentalism, which he defines as “magic of the mind,” rather than elaborate illusions. For example, he picks four random people out of the audience and asks them each to say a two-digit number. He then opens a sealed envelope that contains a lottery card with four scratch-off spaces, and when those are scratched away, the four two-digit numbers are revealed. “After each performance, [audience members] take what they have seen and develop their own conclusions,” Cullen said. “A lot of people believe magic to be real. I let them take from it what they want, but I let them know I am tricking them.” He is adamant in explaining that his effects have a rational basis and no psychic element is involved. “There’s an explanation for everything,” he said. “I’m very strongly against ESP. So was [Harry] Houdini … He spent the last half of his life debunking it. I’m kind of keeping his attitude going.” “I’m not trying to go against anybody’s beliefs,” added Cullen, who said he wants people to know he is a dedicated Baptist, not a skeptic about all beliefs. “I just want it to be known that it’s not real.” His interest in magic started when he was four years old. “A magician pulled a quarter from behind my ear,” he said. “That got me hooked.” After entertaining his preschool teachers with effects, Cullen found his pursuit of magic sidelined by other interests, such as soccer, as he grew older. However, when a severe case of mononucleosis during his sophomore year in high school confined him to bed for months, his interest in magic revived. “I devoted so much time to it,” he said. “Magic’s been something that’s always haunted me. It’s like a sign that I need to be doing it.” When his high school basketball team went to the state championship, Cullen made his television debut. During halftime, his friends summoned camera crews over to film him doing effects, such as biting a quarter in half and then putting it back together and making a card rise into the air. He is continuing to gain exposure, with several effects slated to be published in upcoming issues of national magazines and projects in the works with several big-name magicians. He attends a number of conventions and also works with two mentors, Richard Osterlind and Banachek, both of whom he contacted through online forums. Cullen also is developing a show with a partner, who lives and attends school in St. Louis. Primarily through phone and Internet conversations, they have created more than 200 effects together. Cullen said they hope to establish their stage show within the next five years. “The style of magic we’ll be doing is something that has never been done before in a stage show,” he said. “It’s combining classic magic with mental magic — this whole new style.” In the meantime, he is finding plenty of opportunities to learn and entertain at SCAD. A film and television student has approached him about a documentary. He also enjoys sharing his magic with his speech professor, Kelly Lancaster, and fellow students. “It’s fun doing magic for him and for anybody here at SCAD,” Cullen said. “During breaks I love entertaining students in the hall.” While he hasn’t yet declared a major, Cullen knows that magic is his future, and he said he is fortunate to have support from family and friends. “It’s something I plan on doing my whole life – definitely a priority, not a hobby. I’ll never leave all this stuff behind,” he said. “My little nephews have started getting into magic. My girlfriend can do a few card tricks now.” He also enjoys reading about other magicians, such as Houdini, his personal inspiration. “He was the escape for everyone,” Cullen said. “People would sometimes say, ‘If he can escape this crazy thing, I can get out of debt or get a job.’ He was their inspiration, not just in magic but in everyday life.” Cullen hopes that his performances give audiences the same sense of possibility and delight. “The effect that I want people to have is that no matter what type of day they are having, they are entertained and feel good,” he said. “I want to leave them with astonishment. That’s one of the greatest feelings in the world.” For more information about Cullen’s performances, e-mail him at dcullen30@hotmail.com. |
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