Jean Marc Agius Cafá was recently offered a place at the GSA Conservatoire, UK, where he will be studying musical theatre. Jean trains under the tuition of Gillian Zammit, Alison White and Denise Mulholland, and has trained at Masquerade Theatre Arts School and Leicester College of Performing Arts, UK. He has taken lead roles in productions with local companies such as Drama Troupe, MADC and Masquerade Theatre Company, as well as shows such as Seussical, Copacabana and Thoroughly Modern Millie in the UK. He is also a teacher of drama, dance, and musical theatre at Drama Troupe. Jean Marc is currently playing the role of John in Simon Mawdsley’s Audacity, an MADC production directed by Coryse Borg. This comedy- thriller is to be staged at St James Cavalier, Valletta over three weekends from 26 January to 11 February.

How old are you? Star sign and date of birth?

I’m 19. My birthday falls on 21 January which is bang between Capricorn and Aquarius; I’ve never been straightforward I guess!

What would you like to be doing in 10 years’ time?

Simple – performing in London!

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Happiness is a temporary state of mind. I believe that one can be satisfied and one can feel fulfilled. However, happiness is one of the “ups” opposing the “downs”; it’s what makes life interesting!

What is your favourite occupation?

Contemporary dance – it’s very relaxing.

What is your greatest fear?

That of not being able to accomplish all I want to before I die. You live once, and I intend to exploit my time to the full.

What is it that you most value in your friends?

The fact that they stick by me no matter what, any time any place. They’re a very supportive bunch, all of them!

How would you like to die?

On stage obviously! Hopefully passing out during an energetic dance routine and singing my heart out half-way through a musical.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Living alone in the UK has taught me to budget, oooooh that word! However, there is one extravagance that drowns me in a temptation I cannot resist: predictably, anything to do with theatre. I blow my money when it comes to dance gear and shoes, scores, scripts, shows. Now that you’ve got me thinking it’s more of an addiction rather than an extravagance.

What is your greatest regret?

That would be not having started dancing when I was younger. I started dancing when I was 15. I wish I had started dancing when I was a tiny tot, it’d have been much easier on me eventually. However, I believe everything happens for a reason and I think the fact that I took up dancing so late made me realise how much I want to make it in the professional world – it’s made me more determined I guess.

What is your most treasured possession?

A special inhaler my mother bought me to steam my voice. It opens nasal passages and soothes the throat. It is recommended by Gillian Zammit whenever your voice is under stress. It’s a fun contraption as you sound like Darth Vader when you speak into it.

Which talent would you most like to have apart from the ones you already have?

Playing the piano. I’ve always wanted to but there’s always been something stopping me: time, money, lack of patience, fear of not mastering it (I’m a perfectionist!)

What do you regard as the lowest depth of

misery?

Feeling worthless. I have eradicated failure from my vocabulary.

Significant other?

Nope, it would be pretty selfish of me to impose my baggage on another person.

Where would you like to live?

The West End, London! I’d like to retire in New Zealand though.

What is your most marked characteristic?

I work with passion and perfection. If I do something, then I go all out and I channel all my energy towards it.

Who are your heroes/heroines in real life?

I’d have to say my mum. She’s been through a lot and worked real hard. She’s been run down many times but she still manages to come out on top. I guess someone so strong being around me is a ginormous source of inspiration – especially in this field!

What is it that you most dislike?

Liars. In every shape, size and form. If it’s being two-faced it’s even worse.

What is your motto?

“Think of tomorrow, tomorrow”. With all I’m doing, a lot of planning is required. That is all well and good but it’s no use worrying about all that might happen and what is to come. Organisation skills and to-do lists are all you need, leave the worrying out of it.