Great gear is helpful, but I've always said that if you can't mix a passable show with Peavey speakers, SM-58's and a Mackie mixer, you need to work on your skills.
I do a lot of school installs with budget gear. Yesterday I got the following email from an elementary school principal, after reconfiguring their Peavey PR12 speakers with a Drive Rack and new Crown 28M rack mixer, plus a little training:
"Thank you for the work on the sound system. It made a huge difference....HUGE! Parents were not rushing and crowding the stage....everyone could hear...the sound was wonderful...it was the first really normal Holiday Program that we have had here in 6 years mainly where we could ALL hear the children singing!!!
Thank you so very much."
Gear: cheap.
Job satisfaction: Priceless.