A learning community focused on creative entrepreneurship & arts education in Malta.
Studio 18 is a community of creative practice and learning, established in 2013. OUR PROGRAMMES
Contemporary Theatre Making (Creative Lab)
Acting
Musical Theatre
Playwriting
1-2-1 Coaching
Individual Audition Prep
Production Arts (in collaboration with Spazju Kreattiv)
OUR VALUES
Creativity and Innovation
Quality Learning
Communication and Collaboration
Play
Critical Artistry
Active Citizenship
OUR TEAM
Creative Director | Jean-Marc Cafa`
Director of Learning | Simone Spiteri
Director of Strategy | James Azzopardi Meli
Programme Coordinator | Robyn Vella
Senior Mentor for Wellness | Rebecca Attard
Senior Mentor for Musical Theatre | Rachel Fabri
Mentor for Music | Aleandro Spiteri Monsigneur
Mentor for Movement | Matthew Zammit
Wellness Officer | Nicola Camilleri
International Consultant | Paul Edwards
Learning Consultants | Ian Azzopardi Meli, Learning360 Foundation
Creative Associates | Andre` Agius, Christina Cauchi, Chris Gatt
A few more behind-the-scenes moments from our actors during the research & development phase of “ILMA”.
ILMA (working title), written by Simone Spiteri, delves into power dynamics, pressure, and safeguarding within Malta’s aquatic sports community.
This piece is rooted in the local scene, and is currently in the research and development phase. Our aim is to develop a theatrical work in collaboration with professionals and members of the local sports community to shed light on current realities and elements of Maltese identity, while using the narrative as an opportunity for reflection as well as to promote the review of safeguarding practices in non-formal education. Whereas it is not an investigative journalism piece or an expose`, the play - set to premiere in November 2026 - aims to create space for us to examine the vulnerability of youth and our responsibility towards it.
If this resonates with you and you’d like to contribute to our development process, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch at denise@studio18malta.com 🌊
This project is supported by
01/12/2025
0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5… and that’s a wrap on the first phase of our research & development process, “ILMA.”
Over the past four days, our wonderful actors have been diving into the script, unravelling their characters, and discovering new layers in what’s shaping up to be a very exciting new piece of work.
A huge thank you to all the creatives and athletes who came to our showing, offered feedback, asked questions, and challenged our ideas.
And a massive thank you to our four actors; ,
, & .farrugia for their time, energy, and passion.
We’re super excited to keep building and to see what comes next.
This project is supported by
28/11/2025
Script re-writes, breathing exercises, and… paper mache?
Days 2 and 3 of our R&D have been full of exploration as we test new approaches, refine the story elements, and expand the physical vocabulary of ILMA.
We’re really looking forward to sharing more soon 👀
This project is supported by
26/11/2025
…we’ve got a new script in hand 👀👀 (sort of)….
We just kicked off day 1 of our brand new research & development “ILMA” with a set of brilliant 4 actors who over the next 4 days will be looking at scenes built off of months of focus groups and 1-2-1 interviews.
This phase is all about digging deeper, exploring lived experiences from Malta’s aquatic sports communities, unpacking themes of mental health, identity, and power dynamics, and finding the heartbeat of the stories that will eventually make it to the stage.
Huge gratitude to every athlete, coach, and professional who has trusted us with their voice so far 💙
Watch This Space
This project is supported by
24/11/2025
It’s that time of year again... budgets are closing, and teams everywhere are planning for 2026 📝
We’ve rounded up 3 reasons to make space for your people’s learning next year, from navigating a changing workplace, to future skills, to the impact engagement has on performance.
It’s that time of year again… budgets are closing, and teams everywhere are planning for 2026 🗓️
We’ve rounded up 3 reasons to make space for your people’s learning next year, from navigating a changing workplace, to future skills, to the impact engagement has on performance.
Our Creative Director, Jean-Marc, joined MEIA’s Culture At Work conference today for the panel “Why Creativity Matters Now More Than Ever”, alongside Jonathan Mizzi, Julienne Schembri, and Abdullah Al Kafri 💭
A huge thank you to MEIA for bringing these conversations to the forefront.
17/11/2025
🎉 ŻiguŻajg turns 15!
From to iLand, Studio18 has been part of ŻiguŻajg’s journey for over a decade - 8 projects, 9 editions, and countless moments of creativity, collaboration, and growth.
Here’s to 15 years of shaping young voices, sparking imagination, and celebrating the arts for children and young people 💛
16/11/2025
Creativity has never been more vital to how we lead, adapt, and grow 🌱
Next week, Jean joins MEIA’s Culture At Work conference for a panel with Jonathan Mizzi, Julienne Schembri, and Abdullah Alkafri, exploring why creativity matters now more than ever.
📅 Nov 19 | 3:30PM – 5:30PM
Register at cultureatworkmeia.com
12/11/2025
Applications for 2026 corporate learning and partnerships are now open 🤩
At Studio 18, we don’t do off-the-shelf coaching.
We curate corporate learning built around your people - strengthening emotional intelligence, communication, and creativity that last.
Let’s strengthen your team together. Check out our website in the link in our bio for more information 💪.
📩 corporatelearning@studio18malta.com
09/11/2025
We’re growing! 🌱
Studio 18 is looking to fill the following roles on both a freelance & fixed-term basis:
🎭 Workshop Leaders (Movement & Physicality)
🎙️ Workshop Leaders (Voice)
🗂️ Personal Assistant
If you’re passionate about creativity, communication, and helping people grow - we’d love to hear from you.
📩 Apply by November 30th
08/11/2025
A HUGE well done to our partners in intergenerational work at FreeHour Malta, winners of Small Business of the Year at the Malta Business Awards 🏆
This marks their second win at the MBAs after taking home Most Innovative Business back in 2022.
It’s a powerful reminder of why Generation Work matters: when young people are given the space to lead with creativity, empathy, and purpose, innovation follows naturally 💪
Here’s to the next generation redefining how we work, create, and grow. Cheers! 🥂
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Get inside the box, to think outside of it!
Studio 18 was set up in light of Malta's successful bid to host European Capital of Culture in 2018. Since its inception, the Studio has created work such as #babydaddy and The Brat and That, Limbo and Dear Pete, and performed and collaborated locally and overseas.
The Studio operates in 3 areas:
- training programmes
- performances and projects
- creative learning for schools
Studio 18 activities range from youth projects to individual mentorship, consultancy and services to schools, collaborations with other creative enterprises and ultimately, the Creative Lab. The organisation's unique position at The Box in Mosta and Teatru Salesjan in Sliema allows its members to thrive, collaborate, feed off a host of arts entities which are also resident at this space; this environment is an invaluable stimulus!
Studio 18, an organisation for informal learning, was founded by Creative Director Jean-Marc Cafà, who works with a creative team in consultation with the Board of Creative Associates, has managed the implementation of three highly successful programmes to date.
The Creative Team consists of Jean-Marc, James Azzopardi Meli, Rachel Fabri, Dr Joe Gatt and Ian Azzopardi Meli.
The Board consists of:
- Christopher Gatt (former General Manager of St James Cavalier, freelance director)
- Simone Spiteri (actor, writer, director)
- Daniel Azzopardi (Artistic Director for ZiguZajg Festival and Programme Manager for Spazju Kreattiv)
- Christina Cauchi (Principal of Danza C, Co-Director of RedTape Dance and The Box, choreographer)
Creative Lab
Creative Lab consists of workshops, projects and performances which explore stagecraft and devised work, voice and movement, problem solving, critical analysis and public speaking, among other features. The programme seeks to empower the mind to become insightful, critical, and ultimately creative.
Acceptance is subject to an audition process.
Age: 18+
The Muso Project
A high-energy project which explores Musical Theatre in it's entirety - from song repertoire to musical theatre choreography to acting through song. Members are given the opportunity to participate in workshops and mock auditions, develop a song portfolio, and much more.
Acceptance is subject to an audition process.
Age: 17+
The Actor Project
A programme tailored to hone acting skills, from the basic principles and awareness of voice, body and space to the deconstruction of text, scene studies to physical theatre, improvisation to exploration of methods and practices.
Acceptance is subject to an audition process.
Age: 17+
Mentorship Programme
These sessions cater to the individual's requirements: from audition technique to spoken voice, monologues to the foundations of public speaking.
Actors may also prepare to sit for LAMDA or Trinity examinations at advanced level and diploma level, in acting, performance arts, musical theatre and public speaking.
People interested may set up an appointment with Studio 18. First preference is given to members of the Studio.
Age: 16+
Voice Fit Workshops
Held three times a year, these workshops seek to improve members’ optimum vocal function, sensitivity to text and creativity with sound.
Studio 18 - a creative youth organisation which, by means of the creative and performing arts, is committed to:
1. ensuring that young people can assess their personal qualities, skills and achievements and use them to set goals;
2. empowering young people to explore their options and to encourage them make informed and committed choices;
3. instilling a life-long sense of play and a thirst for knowledge in each member;
4. encouraging social responsibility, active citizenship and an awareness of identity, diversity and legacy in each young person;
5. pushing boundaries with its members, participants, collaborators and audiences;
6. developing new repertoire on a national scale.
CONTACT US
For more information call 79203344, PM us or email info@studio18malta.com.
