The sixth annual MasquerAIDS will combine 30 different voices from those affected by AIDS into one theatrical event.

The Penn State Thespians, along with Sue Paterno, will host MasquerAIDS to benefit the AIDS Project of Centre and Clinton Counties this weekend.

Andrew Kankey (graduate-mechanical engineering), chairman of MasquerAIDs, said that this year, the performance will be a more classical show with a theatrical element in comparison to shows in the past, which have ranged from cabarets to musicals. Hors d'oeuvres will also be served.

The show, Elegies for Angels, Punks, and Raging Queens, written by Bill Russell with music by Janet Hood, is a compilation of true stories about those who are affected by or who have died from AIDS.

It consists of about 30 monologues, ranging from poems to songs, by characters who each have a different experience with the disease, said Nick Semon (senior-civil engineering), president of Penn State Thespians and MasquerAIDS cast member.

Lauren Pope (sophomore-secondary education), secretary of Penn State Thespians, said Paterno hosting the event is another exciting feature.

All the money from ticket proceeds will benefit the AIDS Project, as will the money from a raffle that will be held during the show with prizes from various businesses in the Centre region.

Kankey said he hopes MasquerAIDS will raise $3,000 this year. He said that although the event is on a much smaller scale than the Interfraternity Council/ Panhellenic Dance Marathon, AIDS is an "uphill battle" that needs to begin somewhere.

"I think people neglect to think about AIDS as a problem," Kankey said.

Semon said he hopes the event will raise more awareness about AIDS in the community and teach people that AIDS is not a "targeted disease," but one that can affect anyone.

"It's about whom the disease hits and what it actually does on a physical and emotional level," he said.

Pope, who plays two different characters -- a young drug abuser and a Hispanic mother struggling with the knowledge that she may have to leave her daughter behind if she dies -- said the show sheds light on the lack of compassion people have for those suffering from AIDS.

"When people find out that someone has AIDS, most people turn their backs on them," Pope said. "There are a select few who step up and help these people get what they need, and that's what this show is about."

Kankey said he views AIDS as a problem in any community, not just big cities, and the goal of MasquerAIDS is to heighten awareness about the disease in a smaller community like State College.

"It's a taboo subject because people don't think it happens to them or around them, just in big cities," Kankey said.

For many of the performers, this is a cause that is important to them, and they are proud to be part of the event.

Patrick Troutman (junior-English), who plays three different characters, said he heard about the benefit through a friend, and he immediately wanted to help because of its cause.

"To my generation, AIDS is comparable to cancer in that society treats victims with respect rather than ignorance," Troutman said.

The show also aims to prove the stereotypes affiliated with the disease to be wrong, Semon said.

"It shows that it can too frequently be stereotyped as a gay disease," Semon said. He said the show will leave audience members with a newfound respect for the disease.

Troutman said anyone who wants to enjoy a night of theater while giving to a worthy cause should come see the event.

"It's sad, uplifting and uproarious, often at the same time," Troutman said.