Gallery 7 Theatre Comedy Festival Program

COMMUNITY 2023/24 THEATRE SEASON

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FEATURING ALL-AGES STAND-UP COMEDY AND IMPROV

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7 G AND UP

ST CO M E DY

7 G O M E DY

C I M P R OV

W IT H V ERY OV V ERY IM PRTR E TH EA

ALL-AGES STAND-UP COMEDY NIGHT

ALL-AGES IMPROV COMEDY NIGHT

HOSTED BY CLIFF PRANG

FEATURING VERY, VERY IMPROV THEATRE

FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2024 @ 7:30 PM

SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 2024 @ 7:30 PM

COMEDIANS

IMPROVISERS

Ola Dada | Janice Bannister Monique Bellamy Morgan Adams Paul Brammer | Cliff Prang

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.

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• 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

“...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

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WHO’S WHO: CAST & CREW

Morgan Adams

Janice Bannister

Monique Bellamy

Paul Brammer

Ola Dada

Mike de Boer

Scott Campbell

Delaney Gilmour

Cliff Prang

Deb Sears

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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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

Dorothea McCallum Calvin McCarthy Brayden Sawatzky Stephen and Sylvia Stewart Selwyn and Helen Uittenbosch Karen Vandongen Matthew Welsh

Director’s Gallery ($500 - $999) Danalyn DeJong Elizabeth Doerksen Bethany Gasser Betty Hildebrandt Ken Hildebrandt

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.

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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.

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Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

MAY 17 - 25, 2024

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A play by Simon Stephens, based on the novel by Mark Haddon

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