Gallery 7 Theatre & Performing Arts is pleased to announce that the company will be holding open auditions in Abbotsford today at 6:30 PM at the MEI Theatre, 4081 Clearbrook Road, for its upcoming production of Around the World in 80 Days, adapted for the stage by Mark Brown.

Around the World in 80 Days is Gallery 7 Theatre’s salute to the 2010 Olympics and is a hilarious adventure based on the French novel by Jules Verne. The wealthy bachelor, Phileas Fogg of London, and his trusty French valet, Passpartout, embark on an epic journey around the world in eighty days in order to win a 20,000 bet made at a pub the night before. Trouble is, it’s 1872 and there are no cars or airplanes. Chases, narrow escapes and unexpected romance ensue in this theatrical adventure sure to leave audiences breathless with delight.

Auditions for Around the World in 80 Days are open to female performers between the ages of 20 & 35 and male performers between the ages of 20 & 65. Cast members will play multiple roles, making this an exciting and challenging acting opportunity for community performers.

Around the World in 80 Days will run January 22 & 23, 28 – 30, February 4 - 6, 2010 @ 7:30 PM with additional matinees on January 23 & 30 at 2:00 PM. Rehearsals will begin November 23 and will be held Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings, 6PM – 10 PM. All performances and rehearsals will be held at the MEI Theatre in Abbotsford.

Those interested in working behind the scenes in such areas as stage management, sound operation, running crew and others are also invited to attend the audition.

Anyone planning to audition is asked to sign up ahead of time by calling 604-504-5940 or by emailing info@gallery7theatre.com. For information about the entire 2009/2010 “Rise to the Challenge” theatre season at Gallery 7, please visit their website.