Lunch with TV star Nathan Fillion a prize in Varscona fundraiser

Edmonton-born actor Nathan Fillion is helping raise funds to rebuild the Varscona Theatre.

The non-profit theatre in Old Strathcona was partially demolished this spring after a review found it was cheaper to rebuildthe former firehall than deal with a number of structural issues.

The theatre is raising part of the cost of the $7.5 million project,alsofunded by the federal and provincial governments andthe city of Edmonton.

On MondayFillion, the star of the American TV show Castle and the cult science fiction series Firefly, announced that anyone who donates to the Varscona will be entered into a draw.

The grand prize is a trip for two to meet him for lunch in Los Angeles.

Fillion performed at the Varscona Theatre as a young actor in the early 90s.

• Varscona demolition makes way for new $7.5M theatre

"This was probably the first place I got my start," Fillion said in a video posted to the prizeo.com fundraising site.

"And actors like myself can be accepted into a very tight-knit community that is very welcoming of new actors, new talents. Boy, they made life easy and wonderful for me."

• ON MOBILE: Watch Nathan Fillion's videofor the Varscona Theatre here

Fillion is also offering other prizes like autographed photos, signed scripts from Castle and personalized voice mail messages. The contest closesSept. 28.

The Varscona Theatre is scheduled to reopen next year.