Gallery 7 Theatre
    Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
    Alison Chisholm

    Alison Chisholm

    Secretary

    Alison has dedicated her life to the arts. After growing up in Hamilton, Ontario, her passion for the arts took her to Montreal to study theatre and arts administration at Concordia University. To finalize her Graduate Diploma in Arts Administration, she accepted a one-year apprenticeship at Pacific Theatre, which brought her out west in 2006. Since then, she has been thrilled to call BC her home. She eventually grew into the role of Executive Director at Pacific Theatre while remaining active in the local theatre industry. She has served on the boards of the Jessie Richardson Theatre Awards Society, the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres, and the Greater Vancouver Professional Theatre Alliance. She also maintains her own artistic interests by creating and producing under her own company, Whirlwind Theatre Productions, performing with musical improv group, Off Key Improv, and singing with the VOC Sweet Soul Gospel Choir. Since moving to Abbotsford in 2020, She has recently found an interest in embroidery and has been showcasing her works locally at the Kariton Art Gallery and Cru Studios.

    Matt Forster

    Matthew Forster

    President

    Matthew is an enthusiastic individual with a knack for the creative. With a background in business operations, he loves to assist in workflow efficiencies and standard practices. When not working, he makes use of his creative side to tell stories and play games with friends.

    Rudy Ouwehand

    Rudy Ouwehand

    Vice President & Treasurer

    Rudy just turned 75 and retired last December after 42 years as a Minister in the Christian Reformed Church, serving the last 9 years here in Abbotsford and from 1994-2007 in Agassiz, BC. Before he entered the Ministry, he was a High School science teacher in Hamilton, Ontario. He has served on various Boards and Councils as member and as Chair. Currently, Rudy is Chair of the Board for Cascade Christian Counselling Association of Surrey and Abbotsford, and also Chair of the Classis Ministry Committee which serves our regional Christian Reformed Churches.

    Rudy's interest in theatre, especially Christian theatre has been life-long. In University, he sang with the Operetta Society and later with the Hamilton Opera Company in performances of Die Fledermaus and The Bartered Bride. His children have always had an interest in theatre as well, and his daughter has been a Drama teacher for 19 years. Rudy and his wife have been regular supporters of Gallery 7 Theatre for many years and have attended many performances over the years. This will be a new opportunity in his life to be involved in our local Community.

    Russel Reitsema

    Russel Reitsema

    Director

    When he is not managing his family farm, Russell spends his time podcasting, patronizing the arts and theatre, test-tasting local craft beer, playing board games, or enjoying a good book. He is an avid local supporter and other than his time at Lakeland College becoming an Animal Science Technician, he has lived in the Fraser Valley his entire life, enjoying every minute. Russell is active in his community and works with various agricultural boards and committees to support farmers. He has had a love of theatre from a young age and attends performances whenever possible. Russell looks forward to supporting the arts in any way he can and recognizes local theatre as one of the cornerstones of a thriving community.

    Raymond Robyn

    Raymond Robyn

    Director

    Raymond has been the Executive Director at M2/W2 Association since 2014. He describes himself as a motivator and problem-solver, with the ability to work across all levels of an organization to uncover innovative means to reach the end goal. After 8 years in his role, he is still excited to work with their unique client group, and to help the M2/W2 board and staff determine how they can most effectively meet their clients’ needs. Raymond has a pastoral heart for staff, volunteers and the people the ministry serves. Prior to this, Raymond completed 27 years with Operation Mobilization in South Africa (his homeland), Mozambique, Kazakhstan, and Canada, where he served most recently as an Associate Director in Ontario, specializing in human resources, and staff support and development.

    Fran Vanderpol

    Fran Vanderpol

    Director

    Gallery 7 theatre has entertained, inspired and deepened Fran from its early days back in Ebenezer Church. In the 30+ yrs she has lived in Abbotsford, she has grown to know and love this community from many perspectives, as a parent and grandparent, a business owner and, more recently as an involved citizen serving on a number of Boards and organizations. Abbotsford and area is home to a diverse and committed community. We have challenges and issues to address, which many of our organizations are working hard to do. Fran sees local live theatre as a powerful medium to make us more aware, at an intellectual and emotional level, of the complexities and nuances and build bridges among ourselves to be a great community.