GEAR Productions is hiring: Assistant Director for Children's Theater Production

Assistant Director for Children’s Theater Production

GEAR (Give Everyone A Role) Productions is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by a small group of local artists whose goal is to provide positive performance experiences for the students of South Kingstown. Since 2000, GEAR has produced original plays involving thousands of children and members of the learning community including faculty, staff, parents, and students.

In 2010, responding to a lack of performance opportunities for people with cognitive and physical challenges, GEAR collaborated with the Contemporary Theater Company to produce our first “All‑Abilities” play and have continued with a new production each year since.

Role Description

GEAR Productions is looking to hire an Assistant Director to work with Artistic Director Beth Berry during our 2026 All‑School production Humbug at Matunuck Elementary. This theatrical event can involve 150+ performers, from kindergarten to 5th grade.

Responsibilities

• Attend production meetings.
• Assist Beth during rehearsals.
• Independently lead rehearsals.
• Help manage performers during the show.
• Operate within GEAR’s unique method of doing theatre, including self‑casting, live music, and original educational content.

Qualifications

• Familiar with the processes involved in producing a play.
• Comfortable taking a leadership role in the rehearsal room.
• Passionate about working with performers with a wide range of physical and mental abilities.
• Self‑motivated team player who is willing to handle unexpected bumps that arise in this kind of project.
• Must be willing to procure a BCI through the South Kingstown Police Department or the RI Attorney General’s office.

Schedule (planned)

Pre‑production work to begin mid‑December; rehearsals run before and after school January 2 to February 13; daytime load‑in at South Kingstown High School February 17‑20; evening rehearsals and Tech Week February 23‑27; performances on February 28, 2026.

Compensation

This work will be compensated with a stipend of $5,000.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should email Beth Berry at bethberry2012@gmail.com with a document containing the following items:

• A short statement (100-200 words) outlining your reasoning for joining this project, as well as how your experience and background qualifies you for this role.
• A resume.
• Contact information for two references.