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Hi all I'm new here----im an amateur magician specializing in card tricks and would like to expand---would like any info on pickpocketing on stage u could give

Something that I found to work really well is to put your hands in their pockets, and take stuff out without them noticing. I've had a 100% success rate when I've tried that

I have to agree. It works with a 100% success rating.

Dang ----knew I was forgetting something

That actually only works if people notice because if they don't then they just don't know anything's happening.

estilt9 wrote:Hi all I'm new here----im an amateur magician specializing in card tricks and would like to expand---would like any info on pickpocketing on stage u could give

Ok... if you are an American posting here for the first time, understand that UK magicians can have a cutting way of putting folks in their place at times... but then, so do I and I'm about as American as they get.

You don't join a magician's forum and make such a question the first or second post -- DON'T ASK FOR INFORMATION UNTIL you establish yourself as someone that is serious about this craft as an art form. We have many generous souls on this forum but we've all been burnt by those that just want to learn the secrets and are looking for an "exposure site" instead of actually learning HOW TO DO THE WORK.

That said, if you honestly want to learn about STAGE Pick-Pocketing I would recommend you simply check with the various magic dealers on line who have DVD study courses as well as those rarely seen critters that are typically PACKED full of great information (and cost far less than the techno-info-systems, such as noted above... which cost less to produce and retail at outrageous rates, simply because "WE" (people the sell information) know the world is full of suckers that would rather have "the latest thing" vs. what is cost effective and at times, more practical.... not that I have a bias towards folks and their lethargy in today's world.)

Anywho... you might want to start with Steven Magic Emporium here in the states, they tend to have many "exclusive" resources (especially study courses) and I know that they have a few excellent Pick Pocketing systems that come from reputable performers. On the other hand, if you are in Europe, look up a Frenchman by the name of Gerard Majax; he was one of the top magicians/pick-pockets of France and the toast of Paris for many years during the late 70s and through the 80s. Gerard is a most excellent entertainer and one of the smoothest Pick-Pockets alive.

Ty Craig---I can assure you even though I am a newbie here I am dead serious about honing my craft.

They are right....get a DVD or two. I have one and it is quite good --- can look up the title if youlike, but I am sure any number of the ones available would be fine just the same.

Another angle - consider two things first:

a) What is your natural manner? Derren Brown is an incredibly skilful man in that he can pick pockets without seeming fidgety, on edge, nervous or "touchy touchy"... but he's a rare specimen. To my knowledge, most people find that to be a successful pickpocket you have to develop a slightly jittery, energetic manner that gives you the misdirection you need. If you perform gently with a wry smile instead of in-your-face showmanship, you may struggle here, so consider whether it is an area you are willing to be really dedicated to.

b) Kind of tying in with the above point, and a silly question perhaps but: do you really want to do pick-pocketing rather than - say - mentalism or manipulation or something of another magical direction? Because - and with great respect to those on this forum that do this - most of the "pick pocket entertainers" I've seen come across as smug annoying b*st*rds! They're grinning away going "ooh, is this your pen, look at my new glasses, ooh, they're yours..." and the look on people's faces often seems to be "yeah, good one. Now give it back (jerk...)".

People's belongings are personal. You may think it hilarious to show how skilful you are at taking their wallet without them knowing, but it seems to make lots of people uneasy, you see people checking their pockets for their wallet for the rest of the evening etc. and at the end of the day it's not magic - it's not an impossible mystery or an entertaining conundrum, it is - as two people have mentioned - taking people's stuff when they're not looking. And some people don't respond well to that!