Arielle Popkey was a little nervous about moaning loudly in front of a large group of people.

She wasn't sure she wanted to talk about her vagina in public.

But after the English and studio art sophomore participated in "The Vagina Monologues" in March, she said she wouldn't become less shy.

"I got used to saying clitoris and it became a lot less scary," she said. "It really made me feel good about myself and about being a woman.

"It was liberating."

Now Popkey is giving up the stage to work behind the scenes - and help hold auditions for this spring's performance - one of the organization's largest events for the year.

Women's Council will be holding auditions for "The Vagina Monologues" at 8 p.m. Dec. 5 and 6 p.m. Dec. 6 in 441 Union.

Auditions are open to women of all ages - although the council likes to focus on the MSU community.

Popkey said she wants the atmosphere backstage to be laid-back so that women can create bonds from the performance - like she did as a participant.

"I probably wouldn't be an activist in Women's Council if it hadn't been for this," she said. "We want it to be a cooperative environment where women come together."

Decisions are made based on the individual's activism and commitment to the performance and not necessarily theatrical ability.

Twenty women will be cast in the show and last year nearly 100 women auditioned, Women's Council Co-President Laura Sorensen said.

The show was such a huge success, because of the outlandish approach and in part because of the introspective nature, she said.

"It gets people thinking and a lot of people really connect to it," Sorensen said. "Plus, people are intrigued by anything with vagina in the title and it's fun to have people screaming vagina at you."