Local students introduce NEMRAC

By Spencer Fowler Steen

Every student at South Melbourne Primary School (SMPS) in Southbank performed in the NEMRAC production on November 28 as part of a collaborative effort involving everyone from parents to grandparents.

NEMRAC was about the school’s principal Miss Carmen being jealous of her students having all the fun in the school’s “awesome” specialist program, according to teacher Paul Creasey.

In the play, Miss Carmen goes in disguise as a grade two student for the day. She attends all of the school’s programs: robotics, art, STEAMN, Mandarin, P.E and music.

“Six main actors played multiple roles of the staff members at SMPS,” Mr Creasey said.

“In NEMRAC, each time Miss Carmen (played by lead actor) in disguise arrived at a specialist class she was greeted by the teacher of that class and eventually the class turned into a performance item.”

“The production was a huge community effort with more than 350 students performing, a whole staff effort and the support of around 60 parent helpers to bring the show to an audience of 700 school community members.”

A post on the school’s Facebook page following the production said that audiences were treated to students singing, dancing, playing live music and acting, complete with tie-dyed costumes and props made by grade one students.

“Our school production, NEMRAC, would not be possible without the amazing support of our parent/grandparent volunteers,” the post said.

“They have been hard at work the past few weeks preparing costumes and props for the show.”

Six girls from grade four and six were selected to be the lead actors, with students prepared for the production as part of the curriculum during their weekly music lessons as well as rehearsals with their teachers.

The performance was held at the community auditorium at Planet Shakers church in Southbank, with tickets costing $20.