I'm not sure if this is in the right spot, but here goes.


I'm a Canadian magician who has an interest in pickpocketing for entertainment purposes.

I have picked up some videos and some excellent books on the subject, but I would love to get ideas and/or tips from people who do it regularly. If anyone knows of someone in the area, or perhaps someone on the forum does an act, all the better.


I'm just needing some body to talk to about the subject. My practice dummy doesn't provide alot of verbal feedback, so I'm hoping to get some tips from some people who have been practicing the art of pickpocketing for some time.


Please post, or PM me.

James:

My name is James Coats I am 1/2 of the Pickpocket team Byrd and Coats, you may have our DVD, Mastering the Art of Pickpocketing. We have a Pickpocket Magic 2 day Teaching Seminar on March 27th and 28th here in Chicago. There are only 16 seat available. Please check page 29 of this months issue of Magic Magazine. If you have direct questions about the seminar please PM me.

Thanks,

James Coats
Of Byrd and Coats

I have Jame's DVD, and I enjoy it.

Also, I have a bit of pickpocketing in my routine and get some great reactions from it. Also, "put" pocketing has some great success as well.

If you want to see an amazing pickpocket artist, check out Apollo. He has been my favorite pickpocket magician I have ever seen.

Anyway man, keep up the good work and see ya around.

I'll second that. Apollo's the real thing. He can steal anything, anytime. *** good magician too.

Yes, I've seen Apollo work (only his watch steal on Guerilla Magic), but he kinda got me interested in pickpocketing in the first place.

The one steal that is the most difficult for me is the wallet. I just can't get it to come out of the pocket smoothly with my dummy.


Tips and suggestions on practice would be helpful.

What other books would be helpful on pickpocketing and mainly put pocketing?

Theatrical Pickpocketing is considered a must for anyone trying to learn.

James Coats dvd-Mastering the art of pickpocketing helps you apply steals to regular clothes instead of evening wear at a CEO party.

James Freedman's Go on Steal Yourself, a small booklet worth getting, has some nice tips and ideas on how to 'borrow' items for entertain purposes.


Also James Freedman's Stealing the Show dvd is excellent, very detailed video on pickpocketing on stage. 'nuff said.

How to pick pockets for fun and profit by Eddie Joesph. A cheap soft bound book worth looking into. It was all James Freedman had to work with when he started practicing.

I have been confident enough to try it on stage! I think I will grab a few more videos and try it on a few family members! I am all for getting the most from my audience volenteers at the moment!

James

I love to use picking in my performances (which are mostly at bars and nightclubs here in Florida) I use a two man team to accomplish some of my effects. My suggestion is to take what you learn and use it in new ways. The thinking in the videos is limited by what they can in good conscious teach to people whose intentions they don't know. Think of it like this, you have access to anything that person has on them. How do you want to use it in your routine? As an example, I like picking a wallet before I start my routine then using a vanishing box to vanish their card and appear there wallet with the card inside. Take that how you may it’s just my way of thinking.

Isn't this kind of thing pretty dangerous? Might not always get the intended response...

Did anyone hear about the new James Freedman book and DVD ?

Yes, I have both. They are both very good. THe booklet is small but is packed with a lot of good information.

Pocket Picker04,

I like your approach to learning from videos. The real trick is "because I know this, how can I apply it to something else?" It is taking someone else's idea the next step to make it fit your performance. It makes us all grow!

Bob

Davidtan,

Well the wrong idea might be brought across, but the funny thing is you are a magician performing (I'm not so sure in pocket_picker's case.....just kidding) you kind of get some leaway when you do watch steals and pocket stealing. People figure it's part of the act.

Now you might get in trouble if someone sees you do the steal, and you don't return it. (like trying to walk away and reproduce it another time.)

But I have yet to have anyone try to sock me for taking something, providing I return it, of course.

Best advise.

Return each item within a short time lapse and without "walking away" from the "victim" or group.

I have an out of print and rare copy of 'Complete course in pickpocketing' by pierre jaques with a forward by Ricky dunn if anyone is interested.

PM me.