Iowa Comedian / Iowa Magician – Nathan Tricky Allen

“Star Entertainment!”
-Inside Magic; Los Angeles, CA
“A LOT more laughs than a typical magic show!”
-Juice Magazine; Des Moines, IA
“Now THAT was fun!”
-Behind The Bricks; Las Vegas, NV
“A laugh-filled night with a wild and edgy magician!”
-Seattle Performs; Seattle, WA
Nathan Tricky Allen’s “adults only” smartass blend of sleight-of-hand magic, stand-up comedy, dangerous tricks, stupid stunts, immature pranks, and hilarious (and unpredictable) audience interaction has taken him throughout America – from comedy clubs, to biker bars, to Fortune 500 corporate events. A professional for 20+ years, a few of his past appearances include:
Welcome2 – Scroll or Click
Whether you’re looking to book entertainment for an upcoming party, or just making sure I don’t suck before buying tickets to a show, this page will give you a good idea of what I do.
Scroll down, or click to jump:
Preview Video
Biography
AT A GLANCE:
- ⭐ Professional Magician / Comedian who performs exclusively for adult crowds
- ⭐ 20+ years of professional experience and enthusiastic reviews
- ⭐ Iowa-based, has been invited to entertain at public and private events nationwide
- ⭐ Naughty and funny without being gross or offensive
- ⭐ Just as comfortable performing at corporate events as biker bars (and receives standing ovations at both)
OFFICIAL BIO:
Part magician, part comedian, and totally dysfunctional, Nathan Tricky Allen performs a highly-caffeinated blend of magic and comedy!
Yes, Nathan Tricky Allen is a magician, but don’t be fooled – you will see NO tuxedo and NO sparkly boxes in this show.
Instead, Nathan combines sleight-of-hand magic, stand-up comedy, dangerous tricks, stupid stunts, immature pranks, and hilarious (and unpredictable) audience interaction into one of the very few magic shows in all of America that is both geared for adults AND funny.
The best trick up Nathan’s sleeve is his ability to connect with a crowd, and it’s a trick that regularly ignites standing ovations at a wide range of parties and events throughout America, from comedy clubs, to biker bars, to Fortune 500 corporate events.
Known for being naughty and tons of fun, without being gross or offensive, Nathan’s personality-driven performances have been described as “One of the funniest magic shows EVER!” (Happenings Magazine; Kenosha, WI), “Star entertainment!” (Inside Magic; Los Angeles, CA), and “A laugh-filled night with a wild and edgy magician!” (Seattle Performs; Seattle).
The International Brotherhood of Magicians presented Nathan with the Justo Hijo Magic Award, based on skill, originality, and entertainment value. He has performed at private parties for heads of state, has appeared on NBC, ABC, The CW, PBS, and TV3 (Europe), and he has been invited to entertain at special corporate events across America for 3M, Budweiser, Ford, Honda, Chevrolet, Wal-Mart, and Facebook, to name just a few.
And yet, in a typical example of his priorities, he insists that he is most proud of being elected Class Clown.
Based out of central Iowa, Nathan entertains at nightclubs, casinos, comedy clubs, country clubs, company parties, and corporate events throughout the Midwest and across America.
He loves coffee, hates snow, and enjoys arguing with the television… when it’s turned off. ■
Reviews
Audubon, Iowa
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Azusa, California
Crandon, Wisconsin
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
West Union, Iowa
Gurnee, Illinois
Eagle Grove, Iowa
Lansing, Iowa
Las Vegas, Nevada
Urbandale, Iowa
Clinton, Wisconsin
Kearney, Nebraska
Warren, Illinois
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Des Moines, Iowa
Springfield, Missouri
Sterling, Illinois
Cresco, Iowa
Fairfield, Iowa / Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Duluth, Minnesota
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Kenosha, Wisconsin
Havana, Illinois
Calmar, Iowa
Cedar Falls, Iowa
Ankeny, Iowa
Los Angeles, California
Bettendorf, Iowa
Waterloo, Iowa
Des Moines, Iowa
Ames, Iowa
Marquette, Iowa
Des Moines, Iowa
Fredericksburg, Iowa
Colesburg, Iowa
Des Moines, Iowa
Le Mars, Iowa
Decorah, Iowa
Decorah, Iowa
Milbank, South Dakota
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Chicago, Illinois
Hiawatha, Iowa
Lincoln, Nebraska
Oelwein, Iowa
Des Moines, Iowa
Monona, Iowa
Emmetsburg, Iowa
Postville, Iowa
Red Oak, Iowa
State Center, Iowa
Waterloo, Iowa
Laurens, Iowa
Glidden, Iowa
Seattle, Washington
Sioux City, Iowa
Bluffs, Illinois
Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin
Lawler, Iowa
Waverly, Iowa
Springfield, Illinois
Northwood, Iowa
Davenport, Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa
Ottumwa, Iowa
Richland Center, Wisconsin
West Union, Iowa
Rose Creek, Minnesota
You… you just like clicking things repeatedly, don’t you?
Resumé
I did my first paid show when I was just 12 years old. Since then, a few of my past clients, credits, and appearances have included…
I’ve entertained at Awards Nights, Banquet Events, Bars, Beer Gardens, Casinos, Christmas Parties, Colleges, Comedy Clubs, Comedy Nights, Company Events, Company Parties, Conventions, Corporate Events, Corporate Parties, Country Clubs, Festivals, Fraternal Organizations, Fundraisers, Golf Courses, Halloween Parties, Holiday Parties, Motorcycle/Biker Rallies, New Year’s Eve Parties, Nightclubs, Office Parties, Private Parties, Public Events, Pubs, Resorts, Taverns, Theaters, etc.
You get the point.
I’ve probably been around the block even more than your ex.
And that’s impressive, am I right?
Services
Whether you’re planning a huge corporate event, or a house party for some close friends, I can help make your event a success with one of my show options:
COMEDY-MAGIC STAGE SHOW
- ✨ Hilarious, interactive comedy-magic show for adult audiences; naughty, edgy, and funny, without being gross or offensive.
- ✨ Crowd favorite at company parties, comedy clubs, corporate events, country clubs, banquet halls, and event centers.
- ✨ Perfect after-dinner private show, or public entertainment event, for groups of 50 to 300+, with wide demographics of age and political sensibilities.
LOLs🤣 & 😲WTFs, live on stage! An insane blend of sleight-of-hand magic, stand-up comedy, dangerous tricks, stupid stunts, immature pranks, and hilarious (and unpredictable) audience interaction!
This is my “main show,” and what I most often perform at comedy clubs, company parties, corporate events, country clubs, banquet halls, theaters, and event centers.
🕗 DURATION:
Usually 60 minutes / Various options available.🥂 EVENT TYPES:
Best for company parties, comedy clubs, banquet events, corporate events, conventions, golf + country clubs, fraternal organizations, fundraisers, holiday parties, and public events at nightclubs, theaters, community centers, and event centers. My style of performance is intended for “adults only,” but will not upset Grandma or traumatize a teenager.👥 AUDIENCE SIZE:
Because I’m doing magic and prop/visual comedy, the audience must be able to clearly see what I’m doing, and be able to see the facial expressions of both myself and the onstage participants. Generally up to about 300+/- if the seating is typical banquet style with large tables. Up to 400+/- if the seating is nightclub style with small tables. And up to 500+/- if the seating is theater-style. Larger crowds are possible if the theater or event center has a high-quality Image Magnification (Camera / Projector / Screen) system.🛠️ TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Staging is minimal – I only need about the same size space as a small band (usually 8 feet deep by 16 feet wide is sufficient), and I can usually provide my own Sound and Lighting equipment (unless I’m flying). The full technical details about this show can be found HERE.
OTHER TYPES OF PERFORMANCES:

- ✨ Stage Comedy-Magic Performance as a guest spot / featured act before a celebrity comedian
- ✨ Great for small to mid-size theaters, concert halls, and event centers
- ✨ Gets your crowd all hot and bothered so the main attraction can give them a happy ending
Look, I know my place, alright? lol. If I’m in the same theater as Joe Rogan, Ron White, or Jeff Dunham, THEY sure as hell aren’t gonna be opening for ME. 🤣
I can do a shorter version of my stage show, as an opening / support act for a celebrity comedian or national music act, as part of a larger evening of entertainment.
If you want your audience to be paying attention, laughing, applauding, and in a good mood, before bringing on a celebrity entertainer, then my high-energy blend of comedy and magic is what you need.
🕗 DURATION:
Usually 30 minutes / Various options available🥂 EVENT TYPES:
Best for public events at theaters and event centers, as an opening act for a nationally-recognized celebrity entertainer. My style of performance is intended for “adults only,” but will not upset Grandma or traumatize a teenager.👥 AUDIENCE SIZE:
Because I’m doing magic and prop/visual comedy, the audience must be able to clearly see what I’m doing, and be able to see the facial expressions of both myself and the onstage participants. Generally up to about 300+/- if the seating is typical banquet style with large tables. Up to 400+/- if the seating is nightclub style with small tables. And up to 500+/- if the seating is theater-style. Larger crowds are possible if the theater or event center has a high-quality Image Magnification (Camera / Projector / Screen) system.🛠️ TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS:
All staging / sound / lighting will need to be provided by the venue (or producer of the event) when I’m working as an opening act. Full details about what I’ll need for sound and lighting can be found HERE, although much of that document will not apply when I’m working as an opening act. We’ll chat about the details.

- ✨ Stage magic + comedy at the beginning of the show, and in short bursts between other performers
- ✨ Excellent for nightclub variety shows, talent contests, music festivals, or comedy festivals
- ✨ Keeps the audience’s energy up, and the show moving flawlessly – even if there are unexpected delays backstage
If you need an energetic, entertaining host / emcee to welcome the audience and introduce various acts throughout a longer show (such as for variety shows, competitions, comedy or music festivals), I’m your guy.
I’ll put your crowd in a good mood right at the top of the show, and have them laughing and applauding with various bits of magic and smartassery (I’m pretty sure that’s a word) throughout the entire evening.
The host / emcee makes or breaks the overall vibe of the entire show – so don’t leave it to chance by asking Steve From Accounting or John The Bartender to stumble through it. A good emcee / host NEEDS to have YEARS of experience onstage, in front of live audiences.
You see, the job of an emcee / host is not simply to introduce the other performers – it is to keep the audience entertained, energized, and excited – and my many years of onstage experience make me the perfect candidate for that job.
My style of magic and comedy works great as a very entertaining way to cover time for backstage scenery / prop / instrument / costume changes during the show, and my improvisational skills can seamlessly cover unexpected backstage delays, all while keeping the audience laughing and amazed.
🕗 DURATION:
Varies depending on the show. Generally 10 minutes at the top of the show, then 3 to 5 minute bits between the other performers on the bill.🥂 EVENT TYPES:
Best for variety shows or competition / talent shows that are held in a nightclub situation, comedy festivals, and music festivals. My style of performance is intended for “adults only,” but will not upset Grandma or traumatize a teenager.👥 AUDIENCE SIZE:
Because I’m doing magic and prop/visual comedy, the audience must be able to clearly see what I’m doing, and be able to see the facial expressions of both myself and the onstage participants. Generally up to about 300+/- if the seating is typical banquet style with large tables. Up to 400+/- if the seating is nightclub style with small tables. And up to 500+/- if the seating is theater-style. Larger crowds are possible if the theater or event center has a high-quality Image Magnification (Camera / Projector / Screen) system.🛠️ TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS:
All staging / sound / lighting will need to be provided by the venue (or producer of the event) when I’m working as a host / emcee. Full details about what I’ll need for sound and lighting can be found HERE, although much of that document will not apply when I’m working as a host / emcee. We’ll chat about the details.

- ✨ Humorous close-up magic show for a small group of 20 people or less
- ✨ Ideal for house parties with neighbors, holiday parties for your employees, luncheons with clients… or cocktail hour for the office staff in the middle of the afternoon 🤣
- ✨ Perfect ice-breaker and morale-builder to get your friends, group, or team laughing together and in a great mood
This is a highly interactive, informal show that can be performed almost anywhere; a living room, a small conference room, a hospitality suite, your patio, or the back room of a restaurant.
It’s similar in tone to a musician doing a “house concert” – an unplugged acoustic and storytelling set; less flashy and loud, but still highly entertaining in a different, friendlier, more conversational and personal way.
If you’re having a small gathering of 20 or fewer adults, such as a party for friends, family, neighbors, employees, or clients, this show is for you. It’s a great way to break the ice, get everyone feeling more together as a group, put everyone in a good mood, and kick the party off with a fun, positive vibe.
My props are often borrowed objects – a napkin here, some pocket change there, etc., so I can walk in with very little luggage (just a messenger bag slung over my shoulder), need ZERO set-up time, and very little space to perform.
Because the audience is in such close range at these types of gatherings, I am able to do a lot of “close-up” magic that I’m unable to use in performances on stage for sizable crowds – so the show will be largely new to your group even if they’ve seen my main stage show!
🕗 DURATION:
Usually 30 minutes / Various options available🥂 EVENT TYPES:
Best for intimate gatherings of 20 people or less, for small house parties with friends or neighbors, meetings, luncheons, cocktail receptions, small office employee holiday parties, etc. My style of performance is intended for “adults only,” but will not upset Grandma or traumatize a teenager.👥 AUDIENCE SIZE:
Up to 20.🛠️ TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS:
None. Because this show is for small groups of 20 or less, no staging, sound system, or lighting is required. However, this does work best when the group can give their full attention (i.e. not during a meal). Also, if I’ll be performing at a gathering in a restaurant, it is best to hold this in a separate room from the main dining area, so we’re not disturbing the other patrons.
Frequently Asked Questions

The unfortunate truth is, when most people hear “magician,” they think “lame,” “boring,” and “cheesy.” I get it.
This is because many magicians…
- 🙄 …are so focused on doing their TRICKS that they forget to entertain the audience…
- 🙄 …take themselves SO SERIOUSLY that they’re not very fun to watch… or…
- 🙄 …act SO CORNY that only little KIDS find them amusing.
Whatever. To each his own. But I Do Things a Little Differently:
- 👍 My focus is on having fun with the audience, not on the tricks,
- 🤪 I do not take myself seriously (probably to a fault), and…
- 🍺 the show is not for kids.
I just wanted to be clear: if you come to my show hoping to see Silly Willy The Birthday Magician, you’re gonna have a bad time, lol.

My show is naughty, funny, and geared for adults. It contains humor, innuendo, language, references, and some dangerous-looking tricks which are not appropriate for the kiddos. In fact, many of the events and venues I work at have 18+ or 21+ age restrictions. I’m certainly no “Silly Willy The Birthday Clown.”
But I’m also not some “Filthy McNasty The X-Rated Comedian” either… My show is NOT over-the-top raunchy or obscene; There is NO nudity, NO explicit or disgusting stories, and NO hate-filled rants about religion, race, politics, gender, or sexual orientation.
Exactly how “edgy” any particular show is depends upon the event and the audience on any given night (I’m usually a bit tamer at a corporate event than at a comedy club, for example), but, in general, my show is NOT for kids for these three reasons:
- I do tricks & stunts you would not want a child to try at home (razor blades, broken glass, etc.)…
- Children wouldn’t understand much of the humor and references in my show, and because so much of what I do is comedy-based, this means the show simply wouldn’t be very entertaining to a kid.
- Many adults don’t feel comfortable laughing at adult humor, references, and innuendo while in the presence of a child… Even though these jokes go “over the heads” of children anyway, many adults in the audience still tense up when there are children present… and when people are uncomfortable and afraid to laugh, everyone’s enjoyment of the show suffers.
So… to sum it all up: No, don’t bring the kiddos. Book a sitter and come out for a fun night. Nobody will be traumatized, and you’ll have a great time. See ya soon!
But do you need it to look like an accident?
Because that’ll cost extra.


