Gallery 7 Theatre Comedy Festival Program

ALL-AGES STAND-UP COMEDY NIGHT

HOSTED BY CLIFF PRANG

FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2024 @ 7:30 PM

COMEDIANS

Ola Dada | Janice Bannister

Monique Bellamy

Morgan Adams

Paul Brammer | Cliff Prang

ALL-AGES IMPROV COMEDY NIGHT

FEATURING VERY, VERY IMPROV THEATRE

SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 2024 @ 7:30 PM

IMPROVISERS

Cliff Prang

Mike de Boer | Deb Sears

Delaney Gilmour

Scott Campbell

MATSQUI CENTENNIAL AUDITORIUM 32315 SOUTH FRASER WAY, ABBOTSFORD

PRODUCTION PRESENTING SPONSOR:

Running Time:

Approximately 90 minutes plus one, twenty-minute intermission.

Audience Advisory:

You may be called upon participate onstage as a volunteer. You may experience sore face and ribs from laughing. Participate and laugh at your own risk. We assume no liability.

Land Acknowledgement

Gallery 7 Theatre’s mandate is to share stories that explore the relational, social, and spiritual aspects of the human experience with a vision towards hope, reconciliation, and redemption. In that spirit, we’d like to acknowledge we carry on our artistic endeavors on the traditional and unceded territory of the Sto:Lo people, Sema:th First Nation and Mathxwi First Nation and we are thankful for this opportunity. May there be healing and peace as we seek to build a stronger, respectful, and more unified community together.

Refreshments and snacks available in the lobby. Please finish your snacks and refreshments before returning to your seats. Only bottled water is allowed in the theatre. Thanks for your help in keeping the theatre venue clean and tidy!

PLEASE turn CELL PHONES and ELECTRONIC DEVICES off before entering the theatre

• Please remain seated during the performance

• Please save the discussion and talking until intermission

• Videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.

• Children under 3 unfortunately cannot be admitted into the theatre.

• Out of respect for your fellow audience members, please refrain from wearing strong fragrances while at the theatre.

We acknowledge the financial assistance of the Province of British Columbia

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“...city-quality comedy talent in the ‘burbs.”

- The Georgia Straight

Greetings from the Artistic Director

Technically, this is the first time we’ve held a comedy festival. I say ‘technically’ because it’s not the first time we’ve had stand-up comedy as part of our programming (remember Leland Klassen and guest in the basement of the Eben-Ezer Church so many years ago?) and it’s certainly not the first time we’ve had comedy improv on our stage (who remembers Panic Squad or Chicken Lips Comedy Improv?). It is, however, the first time we’ve showcased two forms of comedy in a festival format over two days featuring comedians from across the region doing stand up and improv, plus hosting an afternoon of workshops in both disciplines to round out the schedule. Pretty cool, eh?

I’m delighted that well-known host, G7 friend, and comedian in his own right, Cliff Prang, has pulled together a cadre of top-quality, highly experienced comedians from around the Fraser Valley and Lower Mainland to regale you with their humour and insights into life. I think you’re in for a delightful night of stand-up comedy.

Andrew Bright, team lead of Panic Squad decided to retire the team from Canadian performances last year, and while Panic Squad will be missed, we heartily welcome Very Very Improv Theatre, led by Panic Squad alumnus,

Scott Campbell, to our stage to carry the torch forward. You’ll notice some familiar faces amongst the improvisers, and I think you’ll be delighted by the new faces as well!

The goal of the G7 Comedy Fest is to allow you to step outside the trials and tribulations of everyday life and enjoy a weekend of laughter. Laughter helps release stress and gain perspective, and it gives our hearts, souls and mind a break from the heavier aspects of life. This weekend, we’re taking things one step further by showcasing comedy that avoids crude humour, racy jokes, and other similar low hanging comedic fruit. Some of the best comedy I’ve seen has made me laugh without going into the toilet and it's helped me gain some perspective on the human experience. I believe this weekend’s roster of comedians are up to the challenge.

I hope and trust you will enjoy your time with us. Curtain up!

Ken Hildebrandt, Managing Artistic Director

With over 40 years of experience in the investment industry, I’ve had the privilege of helping clients develop plans and strategies to achieve their financial goals. I’ve navigated through many unique market fluctuations using unique and customized solutions. T:

WHO’S WHO: CAST & CREW

Morgan Adams (Comedian) Morgan is a clean comedian who hails from South Africa / Australia and now lives In Mission B.C. When he is not running his business or chilling with the fam, you’ll find him on a mic in town.

Janice Bannister (Comedian) Janice is a comedy favorite, with her wild and wacky style and her quirky honesty. With a background in Psychiatric Nursing, Janice likes to promote laughter wellness by connecting people and getting them laughing together about the world around them. She has just celebrated her twentieth year on the comedy stage and she has performed across Canada at Just For Laughs, YukYuks, House of Comedy, CBC, TedxSFU & the Womens’ Network. She is also a featured author in the Dynamic Woman Trailblazer book.

Monique Bellamy (Comedian) Monique is Fraser Valley's first female Indo-Fijian comedian, storyteller, inspirational speaker, and whale watching enthusiast. Monique's musings on #momlife, growing up Indian, and confessions of a plus-size model, have earned her 1st place in the Fraser Valley Comedy Competition, 3rd place at the BC's Funniest Female Competition 2018 and landed her various stages around the comedy circuit as well as community events.

Paul Brammer (Comedian) Paul’s quick jokes, quirky perspective, and pop culture references make him a hilarious bundle of graying hipster

energy enjoyed by audiences across the Fraser Valley. Paul believes that love heals all, but sometimes you need Tylenol. Originally from Manchester, UK, Paul is grateful to live, love and laugh on Stó:lō Téméxw.

Ola Dada (Comedian) Ola has made a name for himself in the Vancouver comedy scene appearing at the Vancouver, Montreal and Toronto Just For Laughs festivals. In 2019, he garnered success as a runner-up in the Canadawide “SiriusXM Top Comic Competition” and appeared on CBC’s The New Wave of Stand Up Ola recently debuted his live performance on Crave TV and Canada’s Got Talent, solidifying a spot as a semifinalist. He also flexes his creativity by creating sketches that he posts on his social media platforms. Ola is known for his fun, lighthearted comedy and uses his life experience as material: being raised in Fort McMurray in a Nigerian home, living in Vancouver and the contrast in values and views on life, religion, and relationships.

Mike de Boer (Improvisor) Mike has been goofing off since he was very small (like, in utero comedy). He's matured slightly, and has performed with The Panic Squad Improv Comedy, Sideshow Improv, Bust-A-Gut Comedy Improv and is a current ensemble member of Very Very Improv Theatre. When he's not performing, Mike is working as the Director of Development at Pacific Theatre or on his homework for Grad

Monique Bellamy

Janice Bannister

Delaney Gilmour

Morgan Adams Ola Dada

Cliff Prang Deb Sears Scott Campbell

Mike de Boer

Paul Brammer

School. Mike lives in East Vancouver with his wife and 3 kids, who mostly put up with him.

Scott Campbell (Improvisor) Scott is the Managing Artistic Director of Very Very Improv Theatre. He’s a founding member of the improv comedy troupe The Panic Squad and performed across North America with the company. Scott is an alumnus of Vancouver TheatreSports League (now The Improv Centre) and established Pacific Theatre’s SideShow Improv when he served as the company’s Associate Producer. In addition to performing, Scott is an experienced theatre director, producer, and educator and is currently a board member of the Jessie Richardson awardwinning Dark Glass Theatre.

Delaney Gilmour (Improvisor) Delaney is a versatile performer based in Vancouver. An accomplished improviser, voice-over artist, and actor, Delaney has traveled across Canada performing improv. She regularly takes the stage as a member of The Spontaneous Shakespeare Company, The Improv Centre’s House Teams, and Very Very Improv. She is also the co-artistic director of Regency Impro, currently producing the company's first show, Wit and Whimsy: an Improvised Regency Romance. In addition to her improv endeavors, Delaney has embraced diverse roles in independent films, video games, and theater productions. She is also well-versed in swordplay, an active practitioner, and instructor of Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA), specializing in Italian rapier and longsword. She holds an Intermediate Actor/Combatant certification with Fight Directors Canada and teaches and choreographs stage combat for local high schools and theatre.

Cliff Prang (Comedian / Improvisor) Cliff is a professional actor, comedian, writer & producer. He has been in love with making people laugh since birth and has a full menu of comedy options including stand up, improv, speaking, emceeing, auctioneering and delivers those services to a broad spectrum of audiences at bars, clubs, schools, churches, fundraisers, corporate events, Zoom & even once at a funeral. Cliff's commercials can be seen on pretty much every network. He has also played roles on SuperGirl, Supernatural, Girlfriend's Guide to Divorce, The In Between and Alaska Daily alongside 2-time Oscar Winner, Hilary Swank. As a comic, he has shared the stage with Deborah DiGiovanni, SNL's Chris Kattan, and the late great Canadian legend, Mike MacDonald. Reader's Digest lauds him as one of Canada's 50 Comedians to watch. www.cliffprang.com

Deb Sears (Improvisor) Deb is an award-winning performer currently based in Vancouver. She can be seen on network TV, in films and on web series. As co-producer and actor she was pleased to represent Scattered at Telefilm Canada’s Not Short on Talent showcase at the Cannes Film Festival Short Film Corner. On several occasions, Deb served as the "Voice of God" for BC's Leo Awards. For the Vancouver International Fringe Festival, she co-produced and performed in Dyck Spacee: A Spy-Fi Improvised Radio Play and performed in the sketch-based comedy Those Who Can’t. In addition to performing with Very Very Improv Theatre, Deb performs with the UnNamed Sketch Show.

SUPPORTER’S GALLERY

The community of supporters listed below are heroes of Gallery 7 Theatre. Each individuals has contributed some of their hard-earned cash to help us continue creating entertaining theatre that stirs the heart, challenges the mind, and elevates the soul. Thank you! Every effort has been made to make this list as accurate as possible but if you see an error or omission, please let us know at 604-504-5940 or at info@gallery7theatre.com so we can correct things. Our donors are very important to us!

Family Gallery ($1 - $99)

Talitha Barbour

Judy Becker

Debbie Benson

Peter Bethell

Peggy Beyak

Sarah Blois

Joan Brooks

Kathleen Burchill

Heidi Calzavara

Paul Chesterman

Patti Dahl

Joni De Ruyter

Grace DeJong

Ramandeep Dhanjal

Andrew Dick

Mirela Djokic

Matthias Dressler

Angel Duran

Suzanne Durnan

Douglas Duthie

Bruce Faiarweather

Sandra Fehr

Bill Findlay

Donna Flynn

Diana Franklin

Dese Fulljames

Shirley Funnell

Laura Gannon

Catherine Giles

Angela GLazema-Poole

Adriaan Goedbloed

Mary Goertzen

Dennis Hall

Kari Harper

HB

Mies Heemskerk

Joyce Henson

Tomoko Heschuk

Gayle Hilsabeck

Elsa Huberts

Caitlin Humber

Deanna Huttema

Judith Ibbs

Linda Janzen

Clarence Janzen

JB

Rhonda JK

Larry Jurovich

Dr R Bruce Kirkley

Gabriel Kirkley

Beverly Klassen

Elizabeth and Kelly Klassen

Jillian Knuttila

Ineke Last

Sarah Lelonde

Greg Letkeman

Sherry and Reinhard Loewen

Arlene Major

Shane Martin

Lindsay Matthew

Jan McMaster

Dorothy Meier

Maria Memije

Robert Moore

Gillian Morrison

Ian Munro

Dr. Dayan Muthayan

Raluca Nazarov

Jackie Neufeld

Loree Newman

Gary O'Keefe

Shane Olson

Carla Pattinson

Marion Pearce

Erika Penner

Sylvia Reich

Debra Rempel

Stephen Rhodes

Corinne Richardson

Joy Richardson

Lori Rippin

Paul Rouleau

Glenda Scheer

Andrea Schipman

John and Frances Schipper

T Scott

Stuart Sears

Penny Shaver

Annette Siemens

Katie Siemens

Raymond Smith

Sarah Sorensen

Emileigh Speilman

Mark Sweeney

Kevin Tangeman

Jamie Tempel

Jane Thompson

Marcelle Togeretz

United Way Ontario

Rudy and MaryAnna

Ouwehand

Joyce van Ravenstein

Sarah Vandergugten

Jenny Vanderheide

Joanna Vanderpol

Kevin Vanderstoep

Paul Varley

Charles Vehadija

Julie Visscher

Prashant Waadhwani

Holly Walberg

Kathrine Wallace

McNally Wendy

Ruth Wiebe

Kathy Wiebe

Striker Ykje

Cameron Young

Anonymous Donor

Patron’s Gallery ($100 - $249)

Leslie Agabob

Gordon and Frances Bates

Michael Bergen

Helen Braun

Tamara Charman

Virginia Cooke

Maria Denholme

Peter and Lora Dijk

Gloria Dyck

Ian Fenwick

Sheila Flavelle

Roy Harrison

Ardis Janzen

Harold and Carolyn Krahn

Cheryl Mulder

Louise Oppel

Christine Redekop

Joy Rousay

David and Cindy Sahlstrom

David Smith

Janette Thiessen

Luke Timmermans

Fran Vanderpol

Elizabeth Winn

Actor’s Gallery ($250 - $499)

Patricia Davis

Stacey Irwin

Ron Reed

James and Margaret Reith

Robert and Pamela Schultz

Director’s Gallery ($500 - $999)

Danalyn DeJong

Elizabeth Doerksen

Bethany Gasser

Betty Hildebrandt

Ken Hildebrandt

Dorothea McCallum

Calvin McCarthy

Brayden Sawatzky

Stephen and Sylvia Stewart

Selwyn and Helen Uittenbosch

Karen Vandongen

Matthew Welsh

Producer’s Gallery ($1,000 - $4,999)

Doris Darvasi

Angelika and John Dawson

Laura Kehler

Rudy and MaryAnna Ouwehand

Artistic Director’s Gallery ($5,000 +)

Your Name Here

You’re invited to join the community of G7 supporters! All donations above $10 will receive a tax-deductible receipt. Make a one-time contribution or set up a monthly donation program. Every contribution, big or small, is a HUGE help to us.

Gallery 7 Theatre Staff

Managing Artistic Director // Ken Hildebrandt

Business & Operations Manager // Sara Mayfield

Production Manager // Shannon Tauber

Production Support // Charlene Crawford

Marketing Associate & Webmaster // Gabe Kirkley

Bookkeeper // Marion Witoszkin

Front of House Coordinator // Sara Mayfield

Box Office Agent // Abigail Dueck

Head of Properties & Company Photographer // Dianna Lewis

Graphic Designer // Justin Keitch, Ignite Creative

Gallery 7 Theatre Board of Directors

Matt Forster // President

Alison Chisholm // Secretary Rudy Ouwehand // Treasurer

Russel Reitsema, Heather Robertson, and Lando Klassen // Directors at Large

Acknowledgements

Gallery 7 Theatre extends a HUGE thank-you to all our volunteers for their hard work, dedication and support. Without them, this theatre would not succeed!

If you would like to volunteer or contribute to our productions, please contact us at 604-504-5940 or email info@gallery7theatre.com.

10% discount for ‘Sound of Music’ ticket holders

VALID MARCH 1 TO APRIL 30TH, 2024

(excludes Easter Sunday). Must present ticket for discount. Valid only on our regular menu (does not include alcohol).

** Dine-in or take-out (pick up only) **

33769 South Fraser Way, Abbotsford, BC (We share a location with the Phoenix Diner restaurant)

604.744.1028 www.onceuponathai.ca

Monday to Saturday–4pm to 9 pm (Closed Wed) Sunday –11:30 to 2:30pm and 4 to 9pm

OPENING NIGHT SPONSORS:

CATERING SPONSOR:

DIRECTOR’S GALLERY:

PRODUCTION PRESENTING SPONSORS: WWW.GALLERY7THEATRE.COM

REHEARSAL SPONSOR:

MEDIA SPONSORS:

PRODUCER'S GALLERY:

PERFORMER’S GALLERY: