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Kansas City Ring #129 organized and hosted a four-day magic event appropriately entitled "The WORKSHOP Reunion," on October 9 - 12, 2002 in St. Joseph, Missouri, a suburb of Kansas City. The WORKSHOP's purpose was to offer something different in an age when magic conventions are bountiful. This year's event was a complete sell-out. Over 200 magicians from all over the world 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 Bob Sheets, Doc Eason, Michael Ammar, Tom Mullica, Rich Bloch, John Shryock & Mari Lynn, Ali Bongo, Kerry Pollock, Nikolai & Nina, Joaquin Ayala & Tanya, Dale Salwak, Tim Hannig, Danny Cole, Stan Allen, Aldo Colombini, Dale Hindman, Dan Harlan, Tom Burgoon and others to entertain and share with the participants. WORKSHOP attendees were also treated to a wonderful banquet and dinner show honoring the incredible Mark Wilson and Nani Darnell, a hilarious Extreme Comedy show, and a fabulous Saturday night Stage Show at the historic Missouri Theater at no additional cost. In addition, there was a star-studded close-up show in addition to dozens of Learning Sessions and small-group Break Out Sessions.

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 the performers. 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 three and one-half jammed-packed days, the learning opportunities were abundant, but the WORKSHOP also offered several events just for the fun of it. . . the opening night dinner and show, a top-notch close-up show, plus the Saturday night full evening show. According to those who were fortunate enough to attend, the WORKSHOP was a big success.

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

Michael Ammar entertains close-up.

Dan Harlan performing close-up for one of the small groups during the Close-Up show.

Bob Sheets keeps everyone laughing in his close-up show.

Here's a group of magicians ready to learn at a break-out session.

Dale Salwak teaches hands-on in a break-out session.

John Shryock teaches coins in his break-out session.

Tom Burgoon teaches and entertains.

Michael Ammar rises above the crowd to teach thread work in his break-out session.

Dale Salwak teaching a small group the proper manipulation of a billiard ball.

Phil Willmarth and Don Wiberg mug the camera.

Tom Mullica (left) and Bob Sheets (right) discuss bar magic with some WORKSHOP participants.

Doc Eason entertains behind the bar.

Rich Bloch teaches during his learning session.

WORKSHOP registrants eager to learn.

Ali Bongo teaches practical stand-up magic.

120 children learn an important message during Tim Hannig's Pro Kids Show presentation while WORKSHOP registrants observe from behind.

Tim Hannig with two child volunteer helpers.

Bob Sheets teaches during his lecture in a very entertaining way.

A volunteer (left) watches Geoff Williams (center) and Scott Franz (right) perform a very funny act on the Comedy Club show.

A very funny Kerry Pollock emceed the Comedy Club show on Friday night.

Betty Jo Standridge laughes as Tom Burgoon performs on the Comedy Club show.

Tom Mullica as Red Skelton on the Comedy Club show.

Doc Eason teaches during his Learning Session while a couple of registrants assist.

Mark Wilson lectures while Nani Darnell listens and assists.

Rich Bloch, emcee of the Saturday night show, with an audience volunteer.

Ayala was an incredible opening to the Saturday evening show at the Missouri Theater.

Nikolai and Nina, incredible quick-change artists, were a hit on the Saturday night show.

Danny Cole with his incredible act on the stage show.

Ali Bongo with the classic Pom Pom Pole on the stage show.

John Shryock, Mari Lynn and audience member on the Saturday show stage.

John Shryock did illusions on the stage show with the assistance of Mari Lynn.