Mike Close • Daryl • Penn & Teller • Johnny Thompson • Jay Marshall

Kansas City Ring #129 organized and hosted a two-day magic event appropriately entitled "The WORKSHOP," on October 11 and 12, 1996 in Olathe, Kansas, a suburb of Kansas City. The WORKSHOP's purpose was to offer something different in an age when magic conventions are bountiful. Nearly 100 magicians from around the country paid the nominal $75 fee and attended this unconventional event. Billed as "A Revolutionary New Concept in Learning the Strong Commercial Magic of Today's Working Professionals," the focus was on learning marketable magic routines in a unique, hands-on environment from performers who really know how to work.

Ring #129 brought in some of magic's finest professionals as instructors, including Mike Close, Daryl and Johnny Thompson. Jay Marshall, the WORKSHOP's special guest of honor, was also on hand to entertain and teach some of his classic routines. In addition, Penn & Teller hosted a special session which allowed WORKSHOP participants to ask a variety of questions about the duo's background, their philosophies on magic and entertainment in general, plus a multitude of other interesting topics. WORKSHOP attendees were also treated to prime front-row seats at the Penn & Teller full-evening stage show on Saturday night at no additional cost.

Some of the highlights of the WORKSHOP were the unique break-out sessions. Participants were able to spend several hours in organized small group settings learning magic hands-on with Daryl, Mike Close and Johnny Thompson. Penn & Teller themselves even took advantage of the learning opportunity during these sessions. During the full group learning sessions, the instruction was enhanced by having a giant screen video projection showing close-ups of all moves, handling, etc.

Over the two jammed-packed days, the learning opportunities were abundant, but the WORKSHOP also offered several events just for the fun of it. . . an opening night stage show, a top-notch close-up show, plus the Penn & Teller full evening show. According to those who were fortunate enough to attend, the WORKSHOP was a big success and Ring #129 is already planning for another next year.

Here are a few snapshots of just some of the many highlights and people. Hope you enjoy these!

Ring 129 Vice President Terry Magelssen, Jay Marshall and Ring 129 President David Sandy

WORKSHOP instructors and special guests: Daryl, Penn, Jay Marshall, Mike Close, Teller and Johnny Thompson

One of the Break-Out Sessions at the WORKSHOP - Learning from Daryl in a hands-on setting.

Roger Miller, Jay Marshall and Larry Poague (Johnny Thompson in the background)

Here's one of the small groups of WORKSHOP participants as they enjoy the close-up magic of Johnny Thompson.

Tom Burgoon and Jay Marshall following Jay's Lefty performance.

Jim Austin and Kristi Sandy assist Johnny Thompson in his presentation of the Balls in Net.

Bob Klostermeyer and Teller in a quick pic following the Penn & Teller show.

Ring 129 President David Sandy presents Penn & Teller with commemorative WORKSHOP T-shirts.