There is of course the possibility that a spectator could throw an L7 in their back reaching for a classic force. A sexual harassment lawsuit awaits anyone wanting the spectator to pull a signed card out of his pocket. We are admittedly lying to the public for a living--risk is an intractible feature of this.

If I were some litigation-crazy spectator, I would have my eye on that darling ring-flite light years before I would assail the theatrical pickpocket.

14 karats. In the punchbowl. Plaintiff 10, Magician 0.

Ron

I agree you shouldn't just go around stealing from people. The wallet steal I think should never be done on the streets but the watch steal if it involves interaction is okay.

i think laypeople see a watch steal as part of the act if you are professional.. also if youre working in a patrolled environment, let the police officers know that you do a watch steal as part of your act, in advance

Whit is 100% correct here. I never use anything that I do not own and never touch anyone, nor place items "on them" In the odd case that it is a bill effect I supply several, then give the opportunity to trade for one of their's, if they decide to do so.
Even to the extent that my new table has tray handles on each side so ropes are tied to those and not held by spectators. The only time they have the chance to touch any props is an english Penny hand out for the ones that have not seen one. Even My C&R rope scissors have rounded points.(and they dont touch those either)

Bro David, I know you are also right! It will go wrong, and you better do your damage control up front, by taking away those known risks.

Taking a watch or wallet just because I have the skill and think it adds to the show, never.

On the other hand, if the hats aren't coming in...you have a skill to fall back on...




j/k, of course...

DVS and DeadRinger:

Watch steals always involve some interaction with the spectator. And most people do not consider street performers "professionals." I worked for many years on the street, and many more years in other environments.

I have done the watch steal and other pickpocketing on stage or in a restaurant situation or walk around at a corporate event, but never on the street. Even in these "safe" situations, over the years I have run into some decidedly difficult situations.

I have paid (overpaid) several times for broken watch bands from the watch steal, and once for a lost diamond from ring-flite. I have gotten in arguments with drunks and jerks over missing money from their wallets, watches that "stopped" working after I touched them, and have been accused of stealing by a woman I to whom I never even came close physically---as discussed in an earlier post.

I am not overly prone to these type of situations by personality, as anyone who has seen me work will testify. My handling of spectators is always gentle and polite. But over thirty years, these things crop up from time to time.

Luckily, they were all during my performance at safe venues where I had the support and backing of the owners, clients, or authorities. A bad situation on the street can put you in jail. I am certain that the judge and jury will look at you as some kind of low-life street hustler rather than a "professional."

Taking risks is a part of life, and a big part of performing. But they should be calculated risks. Only a fool would risk severe consequences for something that he needn't do.

If these many things have happened to me over the years, I can give you more stories from my even more experienced friends-- Brian Gillis, Jason Randle, Ricki Dunn, Chappy Brazil, and many others have all had stories along these lines.

So if it has happened so often, it probably will happen to you eventually. I just think you should be prepared--to tell your side of the story to the judge. A word to the wise.