Godspell Tech Advise

[dfinn]

Hi,

 

Just done a quick search adn can't find anything on this, but if there is I apologise.

 

I'm getting ideas together for a college production of Godspell. We've got the go ahead so I am just going to ask, for those who have done Godspell in the past, were there any particular effects you used (we are thinking 70's oil wheels). Or any other ideas/. issues you came across during the show that I can try and incorporate/ look out for.

 

I will be operating the sound side of things but have now taken responsibility for the tech management as well. We will be running the show in a school hall (Nasty acoustics), with 9 radio mics for 2 nights.

 

This is a bit of a vague post, sorry for that, but I'm just brainstorming at the moment but want to use this resource of knowledge to make this show work!

 

Thanks,

 

Daniel

[StevieR]

The great thing about Godspell is that it is a very adaptable show. It is possible to set it in many varied settings and times and so the technical requirements (esp. with regard to lighting) will be dependent on the production style.

 

Have you had a production meeting with the producer/director yet? Have they given you a look/feel that they want to achieve? If you can come back with some more detailed production info then we can probably offer a few other suggestions.

 

The one thing I would say is that with such a show it gives you lots of opportunities to be really creative and try new ideas. It would be a shame to try to copy the 'traditional' styles used with it in the past.

 

In past productions I have lit we have had projected crosses, electric fences (with real sparks), burning flame effects to name but a few and a band on stage in a bandstand (it was set in a city park).

 

Have fun with it.

 

Steve

[dfinn]

Hi,

 

Thanks Steve, I think you are right. When I get back to college I will ask when production meetings will be and try and get a better idea of what needs to be achieved, I should also be able to get more info on the budget, which will probably be low, as usual.

 

Thanks,

 

Daniel

[Ynot]

We still have, I think, the cross (with holes at the end of the crosspieces) that was used for both presentations of GS at our venue. Could well be available for hire at a reasonable price...

[dfinn]

Hi,

 

I will mention that, I remember the mention of us having a cross with a load of 100W lamps fitted to it, but don't know.

 

Thanks,

 

Daniel

[skivvy]

... cross with a load of 100W lamps fitted to it, but don't know.

 

Hi Daniel, I have done Godspell a few times and I agree with Stevie that it can be done in many different stlyes.

 

Firstly, I think you don't really need 100W lamps, I have used festoon lighting with 25W bulbs and it seemed to create a dazzling effect - If I remember properly it was only around a dozen I used.

 

Also, last time we did it in a promanade style and used stell decking to create different levels of acting areas. I also used 3 spot lights around the stage to pick out different areas of the set, with the stage hands dressed in costume and on the stage operating these.

 

HTH

 

Chris

[Dj Dunc]

How the heck did u do real sparks?

[gareth]

Pyro would be my guess, probably robotics.

[StevieR]

Pyro would be my guess, probably robotics.

 

And you would be absolutely correct!

 

Right then, question two... :biggrin:

[dfinn]

Hi,

 

100W was just a guess tbh, I was basically refering to the use of normal household light bulbs as I don't know the proper name for them.

 

This advice is great, I see what you mean about the show being very flexible in style. I think the intention is to use 3 different levels, 3ft steel deck on stage, 1ft steel deck on stage, then the stage as well.

 

If anyone has any pics from their Godspell productions that would be brill!

 

Thanks, keep those pointers coming!

 

Thanks,

 

Daniel

[skivvy]

I'll try and get some pics together from our last performance and stick them on for you.

[dfinn]

Hi,

 

Cheers skivvy!

 

Thanks,

 

Daniel