Burleson,
Texas is home to 2 stars, Kelly Clarkson (winner of American Idol) and Chase
Curtis (Award winning magician and entertainer). While both spent their
childhood in this small rural town of Texas, both took divergent paths to
entertainment success. Chase began doing magic at age 5, those golden years
of wonderment and experimentation, performing for family and friends. At
age 12 he entered his first magic competition, competing in both stage and
close-up magic. His early years of practice earned him 2 first place prizes
in both categories, a feat only matched twice before in the 50-year history
of the Texas Association of Magicians.
The favorable
press from the double win earned him a spot on “The Tonight Show with
Jay Leno”. Chase was not content with his double win and went on to
enter many more magic competitions across the nation. He set his eye on
a particular award, “The Gold Cups” from the International Brotherhood
of Magicians. This award is one of magic’s highest honors, with stiff
requirements in order to achieve. The cups have only been awarded 7 times
since their inception in the 1960’s. Chase placed 2nd for three years
in a row until 2003, when he achieved his ultimate goal and dream, the Gold
Cups winner.
At age 16,
he was the youngest ever to win this coveted prize. Since 2003, Chase has
performed his renowned close-up act around the world. Most recently he has
developed a full-evening show entitled “Dreams and Nightmares”
playing in major performing art centers and halls. Chase continues to work
on his own style of magic along with original illusions.