In an effort to benefit the Centre County AIDS Resource Alliance, the Penn State Thespians will host its 11th annual charity cabaret “MasquerAIDS” with the goal of raising funds and awareness in the fight against AIDS. The organization works tirelessly every year to create a fun and upbeat performance that honors and supports the HIV and AIDS community.

This year’s theme, “Love Wins,” reflects on the Supreme Court’s recent decision to legalize same-sex marriage in all 50 states. The choice was fueled by the impressive progress and development of the LGBTQ community and looks to bring those ideals to light during the show.

“We wanted to highlight all different types of love,” Producer Melissa Kreider said. “How we give it, how we receive it, and how we lose it. The ‘Love Wins’ campaign was the basis of our decision.”

In addition to MasquerAIDS’ usual singing and dancing numbers, the event will feature a more personal touch this year. To increase crowd interaction and emotion, the Penn State Thespians asked members of the LGBTQ communities to share their intimate stories in-between acts to encourage a lively and accepting audience.

The Thespians have worked on MasquerAIDS since May and have rehearsed the cabaret since early November. A lot of effort has gone into production, and the organization is really hoping for a large turn out.

“We’re really focused on acquiring more community involvement and traction from students not in Thespians,” Kreider said. “Don’t get me wrong, we love our members’ support, but we’d like to see more outsider contribution.”

All funds acquired at the event will go directly towards the Thespians main beneficiary, Centre County AIDS Resource Alliance, which they will use to pay for life-saving medication, information, and coping resources for those affected by HIV and AIDS. Outside donations can be submitted here.

The “Love Wins” MasquerAIDS charity cabaret will kick off on Sunday, January 24 at 7 p.m. in Heritage Hall at the HUB-Robeson Center. You can purchase tickets online for $4.99 (recommended), or buy them in-person at the Thespians’ booth in the HUB on Friday, January 22 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.