Godspell Senior Project
Date of Award
Fall 11-30-2026
Document Type
Honors Project
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Department
Theatre and Dance
Department Chair or Program Director
Stull, Gregg
First Advisor
Williams, Marc
Major or Concentration
Theatre
Abstract
This website explores my research, vocal warmups, history, and personal growth on the play Godspell by Michael John Tebelak with lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. The show takes the Gospel of Matthew and turns it into its own story. It is a mix of clowning, parables, folk music, and communal energy centered around a playful but deeply human portrayal of Christ.
My senior project follows several different threads connected to this show. The first is the history behind Godspell itself, including where it came from, the cultural moment of the early 1970s, and how Tebelak's background in theatre shaped it. The second is my writings of Stephen Schwartz's score, which moves between gospel, rock, and ballad in a way that reflects the show's spiritual and emotional core.
The project also documents my personal growth as an actor throughout this process. I tracked my vocal health journey, including the warmups and techniques I used to keep my voice in good shape. The website I created brings all of these pieces together in one place. It shows not just what Godspell is, but what it meant to me as a performer studying it. Ultimately this project is about the intersection of history, performance, and personal growth.
URL of Digital Project
Original Project URL: https://gianniimseniorproject.umwsites.net/
Archived Web Project URL: https://umw.access.preservica.com/IO_1903189e-837a-44b7-9c9f-29339a17c50a/
Recommended Citation
Marshall, Giannii A., "Godspell Senior Project" (2026). Departmental Honors & Graduate Capstone Projects. 719.
https://scholar.umw.edu/student_research/719