The UNCW Women’s Studies Student Association will be hosting auditions for the 11^th annual production of Eve Ensler’s “The Vagina Monologues” on Nov. 15 and 16. The show will be performed on Feb. 3 and 5 as part of the nationwide V-Day movement to end domestic violence and sexual abuse against women.

The production will be co-directed by junior Lisa Huynh and Deanna Stoker of the Rape Crisis Center of Coastal Horizons, Inc. Directing the 2011 show will be a new experience for both Huynh and Stoker, although Huynh has been a part of the last two UNCW productions.

“I am very excited to be a part of something that brings awareness about violence against women to Wilmington and other communities,” said Stoker.

“The Vagina Monologues” is a production that was created based on interviews conducted with women around the world. The show focuses on various aspects of women’s sexuality as well as issues surrounding rape and abuse.

In addition to the original monologues, each year a spotlight monologue is added to make the production different and focus on a specific issue or part of the world. The 2011 production will spotlight women and girls of Haiti. According to Stoker, half of all proceeds from every production performed will be donated to Haiti.

Auditions for the UNCW production will take place on Nov. 15 and 16 from 6 to7:30 p.m. in the Bald Head Island room in the Fisher Student Union. Stoker anticipates six rehearsals from the time of auditions until the show, and she and Huynh are also searching for people interested in helping with the stage crew and other managerial positions.

“We are looking for a diverse cast who can bring passion and something new to the performance pieces,” said Stoker. “There is not a certain set of roles being offered as historically, every person who auditions and wants to be involved can be.”

Once a year in February, Ensler allows organizations across the country to host productions of “The Vagina Monologues” to raise awareness and funds for local shelters and to create funds for new shelters and programs in order to help end violence against women. The UNCW production will benefit the Rape Crisis Center of Coastal Horizons, Inc. and The Carousel Center for Abused Children.

Stoker attended “The Vagina Monologues” every year while attending Appalachian State University, and “always walked away with something new.”

“It is my hope that everyone who attends will walk away with something that sparks a flame to get involved locally or nationally with efforts to end violence against women and girls,” said Stoker.

“My initial reaction to The Vagina Monologues was that I thought it needed to be done,” said 2010 VM volunteer Drewe Smith, “It brought attention to issues in a dramatic sense without making people feel uncomfortable- especially in the way that it mixes humor with serious topics.”