Wireless Mics and Projection for Godspell

Show guide · Full-length · 10 performers who nearly all sing solos · Reviewed by Stage Gear staff, October 2026

Stage Gear supplies wireless mics, rentals and projection to school and community theatres across the U.S. Our staff work in theatre; this guide is how we'd mic Godspell.

Who gets a mic

Godspell is an ensemble show where nearly everyone solos. MTI lists 10 roles: Jesus, John the Baptist/Judas and eight ensemble members who each lead songs and parables. That is 10 body mics plus 2 spares, for 12 channels, with no borderline roles to cut.

Which version: MTI licenses both the original 1971 version and the 2012 revised version (listed as Godspell 2012), each with its own script and orchestrations. The 2012 version adds contemporary references and new arrangements, and its eight ensemble roles are named for the 2011 Broadway revival cast. Both use 10 performers, so this plan works for either. MTI also licenses Godspell JR. for younger casts.

Bigger cast or band: if your production adds a chorus, keep the 10 principals on body mics and cover the chorus with 3–4 area mics. If actors play instruments onstage, add wired mics or DI boxes for each instrument rather than more wireless channels.

Mic plot

Every Bodymic is wired for one transmitter family: Shure, Sennheiser, Audio-Technica, AKG, MiPro or Creative Audio. Build your Bodymics to match the packs you own. Cast Pack: every 4 Bodymics of the same style and capsule size earn a 5th free. This plot is a starting point; change any row to suit your cast.

The ensemble

In Godspell the ensemble is the cast, so all 10 performers need body mics. If your production adds a chorus for group numbers like "Prepare Ye" or "Light of the World," cover it with 3–4 area or choir mics along the stage edge. When a chorus member gets a featured line, hand them a spare body mic rather than adding a channel.

Show notes from our team

• Everyone sings, often at once. Ten open mics in harmony numbers can feed back and sound hollow. Group performers on DCAs or VCAs, and pull down anyone who is not singing or speaking.
• Parables, games and props. The cast plays games, tumbles and grabs improvised props to tell the parables. Use mic belts, tape elements firmly, and plan quick mic checks between scenes.
• Water, paint and confetti. Some productions use water for the baptism or paint and confetti in big numbers. Put packs in moisture covers and keep liquids away from heads and ears.
• Going into the audience. Godspell often brings performers into the house. Walk-test every mic from the back rows and balcony, and watch for feedback when actors pass in front of the main speakers.

Projection

Godspell is usually staged in one open, flexible space, so projections work best as mood and texture for the parables, the Last Supper and the crucifixion rather than as literal locations. Most school auditoriums need 7,000–10,000 lumens with the right lens; smaller black boxes need less.

Our sister company Broadway Media makes Scenic Projections for Godspell. Not sure which projector? Read Stage Projectors for Digital Scenery.

Rent it for the run, or own it

Buying for a school? U.S. public schools can pay by purchase order. How school ordering works.

Common questions

How many wireless mics does Godspell need?

Plan on 12 channels: one body mic for each of the 10 performers plus 2 spares. Godspell is an ensemble show where nearly everyone sings a solo, so there are no roles to drop to area mics.

What if we add a chorus to Godspell?

Keep the 10 principals on body mics and cover the added chorus with 3–4 area or choir mics along the stage edge. Give a chorus member a spare body mic only if they get a featured line.

Should we use the original Godspell or the 2012 version?

MTI licenses both, each with its own script and orchestrations. The 2012 revised version adds contemporary references and new arrangements. Both have 10 roles, so the mic plan is the same either way.

Can we rent mics just for our show week?

Yes. Stage Gear rentals run Monday to Monday around tech week, so you have mics for rehearsals and every performance. Systems arrive tested with return labels, and school purchase orders are welcome.

Stage Gear is not a show licensor. Godspell is licensed through Music Theatre International (MTI); production rights come from them. Stage Gear sells and rents the equipment. See you on stage!