Three years on from when it first opened its doors to young people, Studio 18 has now collaborated with various organisations on more than 20 projects, created a number of new works and seen over 60 of its members through many training programmes and successful auditions to vocational schools overseas.
The secret to its overwhelming success? A passionate team of theatre practitioners dedicated to bringing creative education to young people in every shape, form and manner.
Spearheaded by practitioner Jean-Marc Cafà, the organisation strives to empower youth and instil a lifelong sense of play within its members. “I guess it’s all about remaining true to the child within while learn-ing to adapt to the changes be-stowed on you by adulthood,” says Cafà.
“In addition to that, we tailor our projects and workshops according to the needs of those we work with. Some of our work creates awareness, some projects offer adolescents a different approach to learning, while many of our training programmes are dedicated to helping our members master their skills in the performing arts,” he says.
The studio’s work is divided into three strands: training programmes, performances and projects, and outreach. Whereas the Studio initially focused on training programmes, it has recently launched successful pilot projects related to theatre-in-education and engaged in a number of collaborative projects with theatres and other entities.
What’s next? Studio 18 will broaden its horizons this forthcoming season. “We are work-ing on a series of new works, a number of which have either been commissioned or are collaborative pieces.
“Our calendar this year features new work by Simone Spiteri as well as our very own Creative Lab. We are also working with a host of practitioners in various capacities, such as Claudio Carta, Ruth Borg, Christopher Gatt, Rachel Fabri and Christina Cauchi, to name but a few.
The studio’s work is divided into three strands: training programmes, performances and projects, and outreach
“It’s a very exciting time for us. Never in a million years would I have imagined that we’d be able to reach so many young people in such a short amount of time. We are collaborating on projects with Spazju Kreattiv, Żigużajg, Muża, Aurora Theatre and Astra Theatre among others… it’s pretty mind blowing,” says Jean-Marc.
Aside from Astra Theatre’s musical production Evita, which is set to wow audiences in March, the Studio is developing two new pieces that tackle current affairs in the world of young people. Simone Spiteri will be penning these works and a number of young people will help develop the concepts and bring them to life (these works are due to premier during this year’s edition of Żigużajg and at the Aurora Theatre next year).
A past production by Studio 18 students.“We are very keen to tap into the touring and festivals arenas. So far, The Brat and That! formed part of The International Youth Arts Festival in Kingston, and #babydaddy was part of Żigużajg 2014, the #Malteen festival, the International Showcase, and went on tour in schools across the island. Limbo, which recently premiered at Spazju Kreattiv, has already formed part of the Sliema Arts Festival and Speranza at Evenings on Campus.
“It has now also been selected to be part of the programme for the International Arts Council Summit and the Anna Lindh Forum. We now feel it is time to set our sights on something a little bit different.”
“This year, we’re making a concerted effort to delve further into the world of young adults. Within the coming weeks, we’ll be launching our new theatre-in-education programme, coordinated by Larissa Bonaci and Antonella Mifsud, tailored to suit life in secondary schools. Schools will have the opportunity to choose from a number of activities, some of which will be offered within the schools themselves. Our flagship endeavor, The Box Project, forms part of the Valletta 2018 education programme, and aims to bring schools together to devise and share creative works.”
What makes Studio 18 special? Jean-Marc prefers to let someone else say it.
“The quality of training I witnessed when visiting Studio 18 was at the same level as any professional school in London. We work-shopped for three days with studio members, and their commitment, creativity and passion was unrivalled. I would recommend Studio 18 to absolutely everybody wanting to pursue further training in the arts, either for fun, self development or a career. What has been created at Studio 18 is very special indeed,” says UK theatre actor and practitioner Rebecca Brewer, whose credits include the RSC, the National Theatre and the Menier Chocolate Factory.
“We practise what we preach,” adds Jean-Mrc. “Anyone who’s ever worked with us soon understands that while we do take what we do very seriously, we don’t take it too seriously. We’re curious, we like to play, we like a challenge; in a nutshell we’re always up for an adventure. I think that, just as we try to instil a thirst for knowledge in all our members, we too are very aware that there is so much more to learn and explore. Just recently, we spent eight days at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, rushing from show to workshop to seminar, and we’re soon off to London to try our hand at puppetry and storytelling with Gyre and Gimble.”
And now, it’s time for some new kids on the block. The Studio is currently holding auditions for all its training programmes and is looking for motivated individuals to join training courses this season. If you’ve missed the first round, send an e-mail to Studio 18 at info@studio18malta.com and they’ll slot you into the final round of auditions.