Neither clown nor magician but something of both, Steve Marshall has, from early childhood, been charming audiences with his unique brand of comedy magic. Watching him in action, it is difficult to tell where performance genres begin and end -- what's certain is that they blend into a seamless, entertaining whole.

Marshall's love of performing began at the age of 8 when he was given a set of magic tricks for Christmas. He immediately set to practicing on family and friends and was soon performing at school shows and talent competitions. Later Marshall befriended the owner of a local magic shop, who encouraged him and taught him various sleight-of-hand tricks.

At the shop Marshall also met the man who became his mentor, Grant Dozier. A professional clown with an interest in magic, Dozier taught the boy various clowning skills and introduced him to the concept of comedy magic. Under Dozier's influence, Marshall applied to the celebrated Ringling Brothers Clown College, Venice, Fla. in his final year of high school. He was one of 60 selected from more than 2,000 candidates, and then one of the 11 chosen at the end of the course to tour the United States with the Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus.