Valley Weekend : ENTERTAINMENT CLUB OFFERS THEATER SEATS ‘ON THE HOUSE’ : A yearly membership fee gives fans of stage and cinema a chance to see a variety of shows.

We all know that the show must go on, but is it going on without you? Today the cost of theater tickets rules out this form of entertainment to all but the well-heeled. But live theater is abundant in Southern California for a pittance, and sometimes it’s terrific. Not always, but that’s part of the adventure.

To enjoy the excitement of the theater for a nominal fee, a “papering service” is a great way to go. To avoid empty seats, theatres give away blocks of unsold tickets, a practice known as “papering the house.” At the beginning of a run, many art performances find it difficult to draw large audiences, so papering the house fills that need.

I’ve belonged to On The House, a papering service, for several years and have enjoyed some wonderful shows, some moderately interesting productions and some dogs.

Often, films are previewed long before their release; I recall seeing “Sleepless in Seattle” six months before it was released.

Here’s how it works: After purchasing a membership, you may call a number to hear a recorded message about available shows--there are about 40 events per week. You then place your order and the tickets will be waiting at the theater or box office at no charge. Don’t plan on tickets for “Sunset Boulevard” or “Beauty and the Beast,” but there are literally hundreds of worthwhile off-Broadway type of productions.

During the last couple of months, there were a lot of comedic offerings such as The Smothers Brothers concert, “Catch A Falling Star,” “A Rage in Tenure” and an evening with Carrot Top, a new stand-up comic. Members also saw a just-released film, “Species” with Ben Kingsley.

The tape is updated three times a week, and a weekly fax service for this information is available for $25 a year.

The annual membership fee for On The House is $125 for two and you can go 365 nights a year, if you like. One Hollywood member claims he saved $2,536 in ticket prices in his first year.

Very recently, “M.O.T.H.E.R.” (More On The House Entertainment Resources), a free 24-hour entertainment hot line was set in place. It consists of people-recommended plays and films, along with information on discount theater tickets and private party bookings.

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DETAILS

What: On The House

Cards: None.

Call: (310)392-7588

Questions about shopping may be sent to Geri Cook, in care of Valley Weekend, Los Angeles Times, 2000 Prairie St., Chatsworth, CA 91311. She can be heard from 9 to 10 a.m. on Saturdays on KIEV 870-AM.