Studio 18, an innovative base camp for theatre training and theatre for young audiences, celebrated its 10th anniversary on 14 July. Over the past decade, Studio 18 has nurtured thousands of young people, providing them with a space to grow and develop through high-quality theatre experiences. As a key stakeholder in Malta's theatre and arts education scene, Studio 18 has become synonymous with excellence and innovation.

Founded in response to Malta's bid for the European Capital of Culture in 2018, Studio 18 has consistently demonstrated its commitment to nurturing the holistic development of young people. Through workshops, learning programmes, performances and power skills training, Studio 18 has been empowering its members to explore their artistic potential and make a positive impact on the community.

With the vision of Creative director Jean-Marc Cafà at the helm, Studio 18 has evolved to become a driving force in Malta's theatre industry. Cafà and his dedicated team, including professionals such as Aleandro Spiteri Monsigneur, Simone Spiteri and Rachel Fabri have brought their expertise and passion to create unparalleled learning experiences in the local theatre arts scene.

Cafà reflects over the past decade: "Studio 18's success is not a result of sheer coincidence but rather a product of dreams, dedication and a lot of hard work. We are immensely grateful to our Studio Team, collaborators, mentors and creative teams who have played vital roles in our journey. Above all, we owe our deepest gratitude to our members, who inspire us to go the extra mile and keep dreaming."

Studio 18's anniversary celebration marks a turning point as the company embarks on an ambitious future. With a renewed commitment to the youth of Malta and Gozo, Studio 18 aims to respond to the changing times and redefine the role of arts education and theatre in the community. Through Project Phoenix, the Studio will enter an incubation period honing in on four areas of focus: the role of theatre education, teaching and learning practices in theatre, theatre for young audiences in Malta and vocational training and employability in local theatre. Studio 18 seeks to explore sustainable practices, challenge the status quo and align its work with the UN Sustainability Goals and the Inner Development Goals Framework.

Cafà says: "The next decade will propel us into a research and design phase, which we hope to share closely with our partners and stakeholders. We are committed to delivering relevant theatre learning and development experiences for Malta and Gozo. We invite the entire community to join us on this journey, share their thoughts and be a part of the transformation."

Studio 18's 10th anniversary is a testament to its unwavering dedication to empowering young people and making theatre accessible to all. As they raise a toast to 10 years of adventure, Studio 18 looks forward to the next 10 years of growth, innovation and creating a lasting impact in the local theatre and arts education scene.

Photos by Edward De Gabriele