Guess that's what I said literally, but not what I meant... I knew you had a paying gig, but I also know you can rent equipment that would probably be well beyond what you'd ever consider buying for personal use, even if you did have a basic photography job. The term "play" was meant more in line with "sample" equipment that you wouldn't normally be able to get your hands on, or even consider if you were just buying it yourself...
And honestly, tell me you are not going to put the equipment you rent through it's paces, experimenting with what it you and it can do before your paying gig? Also keep in mind that if you are considering buying at all, most shops will put at least a portion of your rental fees towards purchase if you end up going that route... Worth checking into...
Anyway, hope you find a local shop to hook you up. I'd hate to see you sporting that Powershot as the official photographer..