Hello,

I am beginning to do walk around magic, and am wondering.... what do you think is the best way to carry your props (as I cannot stash things inside suit coat pockets)? I will be using: two decks of cards, business cards, a sharpie, and rubber bands. I am doing walk around for a gala soon and I was thinking about putting it all in a small black evening bag. What do you think?

Thank you!

If that is truly all you need, I would seriously consider making the stuff appear and disappear as needed so no one can tell where it is coming from- it's just there when you need it and it vanishes when you don't. I'd give the same advice to a man, but it wouldn't be as mysterious coming from someone dressed in a full suit.

If you wear a suit or sport coat, it is very easy to drop a deck of cards down the sleeve from inside to be ready for the next opportunity. The same is true of coins, dice and bill tubes.

Bob Sanders
Magic By Sander

You haven't mentioned what you'll be wearing.

I'm also wondering if you need to make any deck switches and where the evening bag will be when you do your routines.

I suggest, if using a bag, one with the longer chain to go over the head and one shoulder so it can hang at the ready. Depending on jewelery, you can wear the rubber bands in with bangle bracelets.
Depending on the attire, you might be able to have a small "pocket" or two placed in a handy location to hold your sharpies, and I think the cards from a small "change purse" that is removed from the larger evening bag would be fun.
Business cards should of course be kept in a card case for such things.
If there are tables at this gala, you could try to pre-plant a few items, like the rubber bands, or sharpie into the table decorations or flowers, or sticky tape under the table end. I usually alternate what effects I am doing from group to group, or table to table so they all "think" they see something different, especially if they chat about it later in the evening.

k

A hand bag wpuld hold most small props. cards, coins and such. Other jewelry and apparel could be used in your youtine. A magnetic wedding ringm neck chains, bangle bracelets for close up linking rings. matches or lighter, neck scarf or tie. Too many common every day things used for impromptu magic. a pen and pad of paper in the purse as well

Hi
I've actually done a few things. A handbag is really 'expected' from a woman magician and I can make swaps very easily because I will incorporate into my act going into the bag for things.

Also I've had success with double stick tape on the inside of my slacks bands to hold coins and simple large paperclips to hold a few cards in the back band.

Mostly I don't wear a jacket and have to be creative on where things are.
By the way: Heels. You can use putty to hold small items on the bottom of your shoes and steal them with a simple leg lift.

And have you ever hid a wiregram in your hair? It works.

Thanks for your suggestons everyone!

I use a small handbag.

I used to use a bag but don't anymore. Find a decent dressmaker/seamstress/tailor, explain your needs and have the pockets in your performing outfits modified or extra (secret) pockets put in. I now have everything that I used to have in my pockets and bag just in my jacket pockets and the line isn't disturbed at all. I much prefer it this way as I'm not obviously 'rummaging' for props anymore, they just seem to appear when needed - bonus magic!