Two Langley-based groups are taking their turn on the main stage at a Gallery 7 Theatre event next week.

But they're not performing in a play, as one might expect with most things related to this Fraser Valley-based community theatre troupe.

Instead, Panic Squad Comedy Improv - featuring Langley's own Dave Swan - will be joined by Aldergrove-based Darryl Klassen and his posse in the J.D. Miner acoustic trio, to entertain through other means during a May 5 fundraiser.

Although Gallery 7 is based in Abbotsford, artistic director Ken Hildebrandt boasted that they've always seen a large contingent of Langley thespians taking part in their productions.

In fact, Swan and Klassen have both participated with Gallery 7 in past. But this time up, the Langley entertainers will be on stage helping to raise money through music and comedy, as opposed to acting.

Running a theatre can be costly, and while the staff and board work towards the dream of operating its own theatre space in future, there is also the need to cover current costs and invest, Hildebrandt said.

Towards that end, this upcoming FUNdraiser is expected to raise some of that much needed coin.

"Along with the entertainment, we're encouraging those who come out to bring their cheque books along and help us meet our goal of raising $10,000," said Denise Ramsay, Gallery 7's board chair.

"We're also planning a silent auction and have some very exciting items already with more being added each week."

For more than 20 years, Gallery 7 Theatre has been producing theatre that touches the heart, stimulates the mind, and elevates the soul - something that the staff and board want to continue to build on, Hildebrandt explained.

"Live theatre is such a powerful means to explore story, ideas, and emotions- Theatre offers entertainment to be sure, but it also offers nourishment for the heart, soul, and mind," he said. "I think this is what makes it so integral to the emotional, intellectual and even spiritual well-being of our community."

But Gallery 7 Theatre not only produces seasonal theatre production, but tries to develop new talent and educate audiences and stimulate discussion on themes presented in the plays that are performed.

Along with a full season of productions, Gallery 7 holds talk-back evenings and produces discussion guides for each play. They also run workshops and summer drama camps for children and youth.

The Gallery 7 FUNdraiser takes place on Saturday, May 5, at MEI Theatre, 4081 Clearbrook Rd., Abbotsford.

Doors open at 6 p.m. when the silent auction begins, and the performance starts at 7: 30 p.m. Tickets are $20 and available in advance from House of James, 2743 Emerson Street, Abbotsford or call 1-604-852-3701.

HOW TO WIN

A pair of tickets to Gallery 7's annual fundraiser on May 5

One lucky reader will win a pair of tickets to the dessert and silent auction evening

HOW DO YOU WIN?

. Visit the Langley Advance website at: www.langleyadvance.com, find "More Ways to Connect," and click on "send us your letters, photos, video."

. Fill in your name, email, and number.

. Then write a short note explaining why you want to attend this show. Please note your community, and include the keyword "Gallery 7" at the top of the note. Preference is given to Langley residents.

Entries must be received prior to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, May 1 and winners will be notified by email and/or telephone. Note: submitted comments could be used in future editions of the newspaper. No staff or family of the Langley Advance or Glacier Media are eligible. This contest is restricted to online participants, 19 years or older only.

rhooper@langleyadvance.com