About GEAR

What is GEAR?

GEAR (Give Everyone A Role) Productions is a group of artists whose goal is to provide positive performance experiences to the students of South Kingstown. In the past 10 years, we have produce 9 original plays, each involving upwards of 250 children. We involve all members of the learning community, including faculty, staff, parents and students with special needs.

Our Mission

We believe that performing together builds a tremendous community bond and raises the esteem of the whole school. GEAR believes that theater should not only entertain but educate and inspire as well. In the past we have produced plays dealing with recycling, art history, library science, and more.

During the research period for each of these productions, we have consulted with experts in our chosen theme, and incorporated their knowledge into our finished product.

What Makes GEAR Unique?

All-school plays are much more than theatrical experiences, although for many students, these plays may be their only exposure to theater.  Four interrelated themes describe our philosophy:

1. Our goal is to bring a high quality and enriching theater experience to an entire school community, pulling together in one production students, parents, teachers, local performing artists and the broader community. 

2. We seek to engage as many people in our process as possible.  There are no auditions, but rather students self-cast in the scene of their choice.  There is no cost to participate in the play and the ticket prices are kept low so all may attend.  Every attempt is made to include all students so it can truly be an all-school production. 

3. Whenever possible, the subject matter of the play (whether art, science, tolerance, etc.) is coordinated with the school curriculum in those areas. The production staff  cooperates fully with the school faculty and staff to enhance rather than interrupt the learning process.

4. We create a sense of school community by providing an event that includes all stakeholders in the school – students, parents, staff and local residents.  Scenes are comprised  of students of different ages, so cross-grade friendships are made, uniting the student body.