She’s been in love with the theater ever since.

Now she’s a certified “Diva.”

Sirois was named Raleigh Little Theatre’s 2008 Diva following an American Idol-like competition held at the theater earlier this spring.

The event is a fund-raiser for RLT, which puts on about 12 major shows each year.

Audience members vote for their favorite diva with their checkbook.

This year’s event marks the third time Sirois has participated in the show.

She performed two songs in the show — one as a solo act, the other as part of a duet with another diva contestant.

All nine contestants took part in three group numbers as well.

Sirois was excited by winning the title this year, but she says she’s more pleased about the opportunity to help raise money for a theater that nurtured her interests as a young girl.

“My mother put me in some classes when I was just 12. At the time it was just something to do, but I really enjoyed it and I stayed with it,” Sirois said.

In fact, she grew to take on some major roles including the title character in Cinderella, which she performed for a number of years.

Sirois says Raleigh Little Theatre, which is run entirely by volunteers, offers young people a wonderful opportunity to experience the arts.

“It’s an educational experience, particularly for people from (eastern Wake County) where there’s not a lot of exposure to fine arts,” Sirois said.

As part of her Diva title, Sirois won tickets to see the Durham Bulls, free theater tickets and a load of gift cards to local stores.

“I came away winning something and I was just happy to be asked to do it,” Sirois said.

She also gets to defend her title next year.