Andy Smith. Photo: Brian Grech

You have been collaborating with Masquerade Theatre Company for more than a decade. How have you seen the company grow over this period?

I have been collaborating with Masquerade Theatre for 14 years. There has been tremendous growth and development but the basic core values have remained the same since the beginning.

The emphasis on the pursuit of high-quality work, whether this is with the theatre company or the theatre school, is paramount. The importance of care and nurturing is at the forefront of Masquerade’s philosophy. Everyone is seen as an individual and this is the starting point in developing both technique and ability.

The level of discipline and commitment has always been evident, and this is why any involvement with Masquerade is so much fun.

Masquerade is constantly moving forward. Productions are becoming increasingly more diverse and challenging, with new projects happening each year. The theatre school also has an enviable record with Trinity examination success. More and more young people are sitting these exams, with excellent results.

Internationally acclaimed practitioners are a regular feature in Masquerade’s calendar. People like Professor Michael Early and Patsy Rodenburg work with the company on a regular basis, as do a host of theatre professionals.

The opening of the state-of-the-art M Space and Blue Box affirms Masquerade’s long-term commitment to the arts in Malta and provides a permanent home for Masquerade.

Driven by Anthony and Veronica Bezzina, Masquerade has managed to sustain the quest for innovation and artistic excellence. I know that both travel the world in pursuit of new ideas, which are then brought to Malta and developed further.

What are your aims for the Masquerade Summer Experience 2014?

I want everyone to develop their love of theatre and have fun. We want to create an experience that will last a lifetime.

This year, I’m joined by a particularly talented team of creative collaborators. West End musician and high-profile singing teacher Luke Thornton will lead the singing and musical theatre workshops while the movement and dance workshops will be led by dance teacher, choreographer and dancer Erica McGrail. I will focus on acting and drama. We have all worked together before on full-scale productions and this will enable us to have an entirely collaborative approach.

We will use techniques which will allow everyone to develop their existing skills, while enjoying themselves. At the end of every day I want participants to say: “Wow, I did that.”

How will you juggle between helping students collaborate in a group while honing their individual talents?

Creating a series of successful workshops is just like directing any production. There are a group of individuals working together and pursuing a common goal. Each individual needs a different strategy in order to realise their potential. A quiet encouraging word might work for one person while someone else might need specific notes to move their performance forward.

Everyone has a voice and everyone needs to be heard and valued. After 38 years of directing plays and leading workshops, I feel that my senses are finely tuned when it comes to creating an atmosphere where people thrive. It’s like throwing a good party: everyone needs to feel welcome and involved.

What will be the common ground between students of varying experiences?

The common ground will be the experience itself. For two weeks a group of people will come together to collaborate and explore. After this the same group will probably never work together again. All participants will contribute to the group dynamic and it’s the job of the creative leaders to help this dynamic to flourish.

Everyone will share the aim of wanting to develop performance skills and experience new ideas. Everyone will hope to broaden their creative horizons while enjoying the experience.

What inspired your choice of scripts?

I wanted to include material that allowed ensemble acting and also material with some good monologues, duologues and small group scenes. This allows people who want a bigger challenge to get their teeth into something more demanding. I have some excellent scenes from contemporary writers such as Ella Hickson and David Greig. There is a piece by Carol Churchill which will be explored and a yet to be published piece that will be a surprise. In addition we will, of course, look at Shakespeare.

My choice of script is governed by the quality of the writing and the opportunities offered within the text for aspiring and established actors. Luke Thornton has some fabulous songs from West End shows and Erica McGrail will present some classic dance routines and devised work.

Beyond the experience of performing, what values does drama instil in students?

By its very nature, theatre is hugely demanding and has to be disciplined in order for anything to happen at all. Drama encourages the development of confidence, teamwork, cooperation and negotiation. It develops speaking and listening skills, aesthetic awareness and the ability to appreciate the arts. It allows individuals to explore different points of view and understand conflicting opinions. Moreover, it allows individuals to dream, play, have fun and achieve.