I am a professional magician and am looking for the easiest way to
build a device that can be attached to a persons leg and tap a message
to them (the message being sent by someone up to 1000 feet away). I
have searched magic shops for this but can't find it anywhere and I
assume I am going to have to build it. The message will be a number
from 1 up to 52.

My question is in figuring out how I can get the transmitter/receiver
and more importantly a converter that can convert the radio signal
into a binary switch. Any creative suggestions as to how to get the
hammer/shocker/pincher part of the device to send the signal to the
person would be appreciated but is not required.

Please only answer this question with either 
a) a link to a store that has a pre-made device that can do this
(which I don't think exists)
b) Exact instructions on how to build such a device with links to each
item you are talking about and almost no need for any electrical
knowledge (very basic soldering at the most).

Also - I do not consider anything cheating...I just want to build this
as easily as possible. If I have to purchase a remote control from an
RC airplane or car that is perfectly acceptable (and definitely
preferred to having to mess with circuit boards).

I would have possibly titled your question as 
Engineering - Radio & Mechanical

Don't know if he will help, but you might want to check out this guy
www.RadioRick.com