Comedian Dion Nassef brings an energetic and distinctly personal voice to the Canadian comedy scene, drawing from a rare intersection of identities and experiences. Performing in Calgary and beyond, Nassef has developed a reputation as an animated, alternative stand-up whose material speaks candidly to life as an Arab trans man navigating culture, gender, and everyday absurdities. Influenced by the irreverence of Bob the Drag Queen, Robin Williams, and Dave Chappelle, he delivers authentic, community-driven comedy shaped by years in local open mic rooms, podcasts, and grassroots venues.
How would you describe your comedy style?
I’d say that I’m a unique and alternative comedian. I’m a very animated person, and I come from a really unique background. Being Arab while also being a trans man has really carved out a niche for me. Y’all ever seen a trans guy cook before? Alright.
Who are some of your influences?
Bob the Dragqueen, Dave Chappelle, Robin Williams. I remember seeing Killing Em Softly (2004) for the first time and thinking, “That’s the way you’re supposed to do stand-up.” These three comics are all irreverent; what you see is what you get. I align myself with that because it makes me feel seen in a lot of ways.
Who was your favourite comedian growing up?
Dave Chappelle, easily. My mom used to confiscate my electronics as a child, and all I had to entertain myself with was an alarm clock, and I’d turn it to the Funny 1060 AM channel. That’s where I really developed a genuine love for standup. I’d listen to George Carlin and Robin Williams until I fell asleep.
Who is your favourite comedian now?
I’m really blessed to say that my favourite comics are all people that I’ve performed alongside. Chris Wipf, Zac Wiggins, Maxwell Xavier, Faris Hytiaa – to name a few.
What is your pre-show ritual?
I LOVE riffing. All work and no riff makes Dion a rotten apple – I’ll tell you that for free. I need to joke around outside of the comedy club before taking stage, it swallows up my nerves. Comedians are fantastic company.
What is your favourite place you have performed? Why?
Ratboy Comedy at Vern’s – it’s where I started. There’s a real community there, there’s love in that room, actually. I always tell newer comics to try that room out, it’s really precious to me.
What is your favourite bit you have written and why were you proud of it?
All of my jokes are my favourite ones; they’re like children that I’m raising non-competitively. My most recent joke is about me doing crowdwork at the ER. I love it because it’s true; all my jokes are like that. Awful things happening to me. I’m really proud of my resilience and ability to laugh at this sort of thing.
What is your favourite medium for listening or finding new comics/comedians?
Open mics, it takes so much to even try comedy in the first place. A good mic will always get the room excited to see new talent, too.
Tell us a joke about your city.
I’d never joke about this fantastic legion of snow removalists. I happen to like not being able to get where I’m going.
Do you have anything to promote right now?
OhFr is a weekly comedy podcast where my cohost Chris Wipf and I riff on internet culture, comedy, and whatever’s caught our attention that week. All of our episodes are on Spotify.
Where can we follow you?
PAY IT FORWARD: Who is another local comic/comedian we should know about?
Austin Ahenakew, he runs a fantastic Tuesday mic at Civic Tavern called Crosswalk Comedy – I’ve hosted this show before. It’s a hot mic, perfect for new talent too.
