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My school will be putting on Godspell, Jr. this school year. I usually like to show the students a movie of the production to familiarize them with it. In this case, I think it would do more harm than good. Do you have any suggestions on how to handle this particular play: costumes, set, etc.? The cast will consist of 4th - 8th graders.
3 Answers
I know this post is 11 years old, but it's still available for people to read, so I'm commenting, too! We had to do this show in our church after our multi-purpose room had some structural issues (the ceiling was falling down!) and was being rebuilt. Everything had to be simplified, since we couldn't ever leave anything in the church after rehearsals or performances. Costumes were jeans and "Team Jesus" t-shirts that we found online and tie-dyed them (I still have mine and we did the show in 2010!). Jesus had red suspenders and was in a "Superman" t-shirt. The cast stayed on "stage" (the altar) for the entire show. In the beginning, they all wore sweatshirts or jackets over their t-shirts. During the "Save the People" song, they went back to a few strategically placed boxes and traded their sweatshirts for other accessories, such as fun hats or bowties or scarves. We couldn't have a set, but we used simple props to help tell each story. It was one of the best shows ever because of the simplicity! I am actually considering trying to do the show virtually this summer if I can get permission. Good luck to anyone who is doing Godspell!
VIP Answer
Hi Renee! This is a great show to connect throughout the school. Caren's thoughts about costumes are perfect, practical,age appropriate(especially for 5-8) and up to date. Again, brainstorming set ideas with your kids will generate a unique and practical set that they can MOVE and ACT in. Give students your priorities for set(safety, dance/acting space, budget,creativity and let them go! many do this with a simple playground setting..jungle gym, see saw etc. This equipment is easily moved and sturdy...even the plastic ones. This is a great cut of Godspell...keeping it simple will show off your kids. Don't forget to display set designs in your lobby during the performance. You will have a ball!
Hi Renee. I think what's nice about the show itself is that you can choose anything you want in the way of costumes and set. The last time I did the show in a high school, we did contemporary clothing, but started in B/W and then after Prepare Ye they all changed into color, each "apostle" a different color. Once they had their color I had each character design their own costume, but they had to justify all their choices based on their character. Jesus was all in white. We added a "choir" and they were all in white as well. Our set was boxes and ladders and all the props were in the boxes. The major set piece was painting the floor in a design that incorporated symbols of all the monotheistic religions in an abstract design in shades of greys. All the lighting was done like a rock concert.
I don't know if any of that helps you. I do have pictures somewhere if you're interested in seeing them. Good luck :)