Gallery 7 Theatre in Abbotsford presents its first-every Comedy Fest this month, featuring all-ages standup comedy and improv, plus educational workshops in both disciplines.
The standup night on Friday, April 19 features comedians from around the region. The Comedy Improv Night on Saturday, April 20 features a group of improvisers from the Langley-based Very Very Improv.
Both performances are at 7:30 p.m. at Matsqui Centennial Auditorium, 32315 South Fraser Way.
Ken Hildebrandt, executive/artistic director of Gallery 7 Theatre, said this is not the first time the group has featured standup comedy or improv.
“But it is the first time we’ve packaged the two together in an unforgettable weekend of comedy that the entire family can enjoy,” he said.
Hildebrandt said the goal of the G7 Comedy Fest is to help audiences step outside the trials and tribulations of everyday life and enjoy a weekend of laughter.
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He said the entire weekend will feature comedy that avoids crude humour so the entire family can enjoy themselves.
“Some of the best comedy I’ve seen has made me laugh without going into the toilet,” Hildebrandt said.
“It’s helped me think about life in a new, intriguing way. I believe the roster of comedians and performers we have on tap for the festival are up to the challenge of providing just that kind of comedy.”
Actor and comedian Cliff Prang hosts the standup night, when he will be joined by comics such as Morgan Adams, Janice Bannister, Monique Bellamy, Paul Brammer and Ola Dada.
The following night, Very Very Improv Theatre – a new group founded by Panic Squad alumnus Scott Campbell – features Prang and Campbell, as well as Mike DeBoer, Delaney Gilmour and Deb Sears.
The comedians will invent scenes using only suggestions provided by the audience.
To round out the festival, educational workshops in both standup comedy and improvisation will be held Saturday, April 20 from noon to 5 p.m.
The workshops will be led by Prang and Deboer, and will give participants an opportunity to explore their creative sides while diving into the specifics of creating standup and/or improvisational comedy. The cost is $65 per workshop.
Visit gallery7theatre.com or call 604-504-5940 for tickets, registration for the workshops or more information.
