My favourite professional theatre is the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts. Just a three minute drive from my house, or a lovely 10 minute walk on a summer evening, the venue has all the mod cons without the megasizing. There isn’t a bad seat in the house and the acoustics are beyond fine.

The RHCPA is a community theatre, with programming that tries to appeal to the diversity of one of the Greater Toronto Area’s bedroom communities. In addition to the professional productions that are mounted, local dance academies and music schools use the venue for graduation performances.

I know that the only way the community will continue to benefit from the theatre is to purchase tickets, and attend performances. If we don’t use it, we could lose it. That would be tragic!

I’m excited about a new initiative that the RHCPA is launching – Club RHCPA. I received my membership kit today and I am chuffed. The handsome membership card has a free appetizer deal on the back from my local Baton Rouge. [Coming to Toronto soon, don't miss dining at a Baton Rouge - the ribs are fabulous and the steak out of this world.] But that’s not the only benefit of membership.

As a member I will be notified in advance of the 2012 -13 season line-up. I’ll have first access too. [HINT: I"ll be posting about the new season, late on May 15.] But you could hear about it earlier, by purchasing a membership!

Yes, I receive a discount when I purchase tickets. It doesn’ t take long for a membership to pay for itself!

Ego Gratification Too

For a year, there will be one seat in the house with my name on it. That comes with membership. I may not be a star on the stage, but I will have my name engraved on a name plate for anyone to see. Will it enhance my experience. Hell to the No. Does it make me smile, you bet!

Suite Thursdays

There are even more benefits. I get a free coat check for each performance. I can exchange tickets without paying a service charge. AND…drum roll please…Staring in the Fall of 2012, every Thursday night the Plaza Suite will become a nightclub with entertainment. As a Club @RHCPA member I get a 2 for 1 tickets when I present my membership. The line-up hasn’t been announced yet. The suspense is killing me.

Local Sponsors

Baton Rouge is not the only local business to sponsor RHCPA. Richmond Hill Honda has stepped up and sponsored our theatre. Good on ya, mate. The Sheraton Parkway Toronto North has earned a high five too. Cosmo Music and Expedia Cruise Ship Centers are supporters. West Photo, The Richmond Grill, Pace Technical Services, Nando’s flame-grilled chicken, Viva Thornhill Woods Retirement Community, Richmond Jewels and Two Moms Baked Goods have also shown their support.

Cafe en Passant

I left my favourite French restaurant to the end. Cafe en Passant may be the best kept secret north of Steeles Avenue. I love this restaurant so much that I don’t tell anyone about it. Only my nearest and dearest are taken to dine at Cafe en Passant, within walking distance of the theatre. It is my turn to step up to the plate and support the local businesses that support my favourite theatre.

If you live north of Steeles Avenue, consider becoming a member of Club RHCPA. You won’t regret it.