In its 13th year, “The Vagina Monologues” will appear once again on the Memorial Auditorium stage.

Female students, staff, faculty and alumni at Shippensburg University will come together to perform the monologues of playwright Eve Ensler, starting Thursday night at 8 p.m. The monologues were inspired by interviews Ensler conducted with a variety of women from different age groups, cultures and races. Some of the monologues are serious, inspired by women who suffered sexual abuse, while others are meant to make the audience laugh.

Overall, “The Vagina Monologues” is a comedic show that the SU Women’s Center puts on each year to raise awareness about the problems women face — whether it is the gynecologist or the patriarchy.

Eighty percent of the proceeds from the show go to YWCA Sexual Assault/Rape Crisis Services of Cumberland County, a charity “The Vagina Monologues” has supported for years. Ten percent of the proceeds benefit the V-Day Foundation, created by Ensler to end violence against women and girls. The remaining funds help keep “The Vagina Monologues” alive at SU.

Anyone who identifies as female can audition for the monologues, and each year the cast includes a variety of women from different majors and backgrounds. Rehearsals started on Sunday for the cast.

“Things are going well,” co-director Chelsea Ksanznak said. “We think we’re going to put together a really amazing show.”

This year’s theme is inspired by the Netflix series, “Orange is the New Black.” The popular show is being used as a vehicle to talk about women in the criminal justice system, Women’s Center Director Stephanie Erdice said.

While some students are loyal fans of “The Vagina Monologues,” others might only attend for the extra credit in class. For whatever reason audience members attend the show, co-directors Ksanznak and Madeline Kwarteng hope that attendees of all genders will leave with a better sense of knowledge and empowerment.

“The show is for everyone. It’s not just for women,” Erdice said. “There’s something for every audience member.”

“The Vagina Monologues” is showing Feb. 18-20 at 8 p.m. in Memorial Auditorium. Tickets can be bought in advance from volunteers at sales tables in the Ceddia Union Building or in Reisner Dining Hall. Advance tickets cost $3 for students and $8 for non-students. Tickets sold at the door cost $5 for students and $10 for non-students.

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