Godspell originally conceived and directed by John-Michael Tebelak with music and new lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, was a theatrical production presented during the spring quarter of 2009 at The Ohio State University produced by the Department of Theatre in collaboration with The Columbus Association of the Performing Arts at the Southern Theatre. This thesis is a documentation of the lighting design process for Godspell. The first chapter is a examination of the Southern Theatre and the producing situation. The second and third chapters explore the design ideas for the production through director concept, collaboration and script analysis. The last two chapters examine the lighting design process from initial stages to final product and provide self-evaluation of the final design.
The concept for the production was to connect Godspell to central Ohio by creating a visual environment that reflected the changing and struggling economic landscape of a downtown landmark. The production was developed, researched and designed in order for viewers to absorb the overarching message of Godspell, while becoming energized and inspired to change the world around them. As part of my lighting concept I chose to incorporate a variety of rock-and-roll compositions with a simple and cleanly lit landscape. I also designed a complex light plot that integrated a variety of technology to create a lively and eye-catching world for Godspell.