Kayla Brouwer

Director

Kayla lives in Langley where she has been a community support worker for over 6 years. Kayla is passionate about working within the communities that surround her. Kayla has grown up around theatre and music and has performed her whole life. She has been given many opportunities to grow in her passions, including being accepted into the Berklee School of Music in Boston. She enjoys connecting and serving the people around her and is excited to be a part of the Gallery 7 Theatre Board of Directors.

Matt Forster

Vice President

Check back soon for Matt's Bio!

Brittany Holman

Secretary

Brittany grew up in Langley and lives in Abbotsford. She stepped into theatre during college and immediately was drawn to the story-telling, beauty, and unique community experience live theatre brings. She enjoys participating on and off stage and has been a part of numerous G7 shows since 2013. Brittany even first met her husband while participating in a show at G7. Brittany has a background in non-profit administration and a passion for organizing. When not at the theatre she works as a professional home organizer and enjoys making spreadsheets or doing something creative. This is Brittany’s first experience being on a board and she hopes to use her gifts and passions to create a difference for the present and future of Gallery 7 Theatre.

Carla Johnson

Director

With a background in dance and theatre, Carla has always had a passion for the arts. She has two decades of insurance work experience at CO-Operators and is a vocal advocate for women in business locally. She is a recent addition to the Gallery 7 audience but loved Footloose and The Play that goes wrong and is passionate about beginning her board director journey.

Lando Klassen

President

Lando was born in Mission, BC and graduated from Abby Sr in ’71. His one and only major public theatrical performance in the early 90’s did not result in other offers, as was expected, however Lando and his wife have attended Gallery 7 Theatre productions since the early days and countless performances by other companies. He started a small bookshop in Mission called House of James in 1973, later moving it to Abbotsford, and operating it for 48 years. He retired from that lifelong passion in 2021. Some of his favourite things to do are to attend live music concerts and live theatre. Having served on various other non profit boards, and managing excellent staff teams in business, he wants to use some of that experience in giving loving oversight to Gallery 7 Theatre. Lando says, “I think G7 has a profound opportunity to keep bringing high quality, life giving entertainment to our community. The future is bright”. Lando and his wife Kathy have 4 children and 13 grandchildren. (Christmas is a whirlwind of excitement!)

Frank Nickel

Director

Frank is an arts management professional with a focus on strategic planning, financial sustainability and project management. Frank works alongside arts professionals in Canada and the US as a Client Relationship Manager for Spektrix Inc. He is a self-professed theatre nerd who loves crafting persuasive grant applications and engaging with donors. He is the winner of the John Hobday Award in Arts Management from the Canada Council for the Arts and loves being in a state of perpetual professional development, especially when it comes to helping theatre companies grow into their artistic vision. Frank has served on several boards in the past, including being the current Chair of Fire Exit Theatre in Calgary. Frank is looking forward to joining the Gallery 7 board of directors to help with long-term strategic planning and growth. Frank lives on the outskirts of Calgary with his fantastically talented wife Karina, their two dogs, Maui and Saint, and their two guinea pigs, Franklin and Buffy.

Rudy Ouwehand

Treasurer

Rudy just turned 79 and is enjoying retirement after serving as Pastor in Christian Reformed Churches in Cobourg, Woodstock and Niagara Falls, Ontario and in Agassiz and Abbotsford B.C. 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 continues to be the Chair of the Board for Cascade Christian Counselling Association of Surrey and Abbotsford.

Rudy's interest in theatre, especially Christian theatre has been life-long. In McMaster University, he sang with the Operatic 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 over 20 years. Rudy and his wife have been regular supporters of Gallery 7 Theatre for many years and have attended many performances over the years. He continues to be excited about the mission and work of Gallery 7 and is grateful for this opportunity to serve and to be involved in our local Community.

Russell 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.

Heather Robertson

Director

Heather is the Wardrobe Manager at the University of the Fraser Valley Theatre Department. After initially receiving a bachelor's degree at UFV, she went to Central Washington University where she received a Master of Arts and Theatre Production. She enjoys working on theatre productions and has been on the board of Gallery 7 Theatre for 2 years.