OUR STORY
Our FLAGSHIP projects through the years.
10 Years. 10 Milestones.
01
In July 2013, Studio 18 launches its first set of workshops for young people, facilitated by UK performer-practitioner Rebecca Brewer.
03
The company lands its first commission for theatre for young audiences in December 2013 - Spazju Kreattiv (then St James Cavalier) entrusts Studio 18 with the development of 'The Brat and That!' This marks the beginning of a longstanding relationship with Spazju Kreattiv. Consequently, the Studio moves on to develop new theatre in collaboration with numerous partners, including Teatru Malta, ZiguZajg, Esplora, the MPO, Agenzija Zaghzagh, The New Victorians, Valletta 2018, Teatru Aurora, Teatru Astra, ACM, and Danusan. Most notably, ‘Inez Kienet Perf(etta)’ sees two translations, four countries, and has been developed into an online mini-series.
05
In January 2017, the Studio engages in a two-year period of professional development supported by a consultant for theatre and training Paul Edwards. During this time, both the Studio Team and learners engage in conversation and training with a number of international organisations including The Southwark Playhouse, the Guildford School of Acting, The Barn Theatre UK, Het Filiaal, Gyre and Gimble, and Shakespeare in Italy.
07
In July 2019, Simone Spiteri and James Azzopardi Meli join the team as Director of Learning and Head of Sustainability, respectively. The creative team expands to a team of eight, also introducing a role for wellness and inclusion.
09
The Studio kicks off a two-year sustainability review in September 2020, supported by ACM Funding. During this period, Studio 18 relocates to its current home in Żebbug, and develops a sustainability plan with the support of Finesse, Learning360, Lync Coop and The Pro Clinic. Learning and leadership models are developed to cater for the Maltese cultural landscape. Studio 18 also launches the Mentorship Programme for Technical and Production Arts in collaboration with Spazju Kreattiv.
02
In, September 2013, the Studio takes up residency at The Box in Mosta - the space that would become its home for 8 years. During this time, Studio 18 collaborates with many artists based at The Box, working closely with Christina and Daniel Cauchi. During these years, the Studio introduces six theatre learning programmes
04
Studio 18 kicks off The Box Project in preparation for the European Capital of Culture in March 2015 - a creative learning project that develops into a 6-year partnership with Spazju Kreattiv and ŻiguŻajg, creating new works, internships, and opportunities for emerging theatre collectives Ħassle Mejjet and Just Another Collective.
06
In May 2018, Studio 18 develops a mini-festival for young creatives inspired by the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland's Bridge Week and Carnegie Mellon’s Playground. This evolves into an annual appointment – from Scratch It night to the Fosdqa Festival to Page to Stage weekends.
08
As the pandemic brings new challenges and opportunities in March 2020, Studio 18 launches a series of initiatives to engage youth performers and audiences. Over two seasons, the Studio produces new works accessible to virtual audiences, an online community project, a mini-series, COVID- safe masterclasses and a drive-through holiday season performance
10
In, 2023 Studio 18 rolls out its 10-Year Anniversary Programme, including a school tour of the newly devised ‘Thirst Trap’, the premier of ‘Il-Giddieb Għomru Twil’, new courses in directing playwriting, and a Young Actors’ Showcase.
Other Projects
April 2014
MYO Swings, Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, Pjazzu Teatru Irjal
June 2015
Workshops with UK's Monkey in the Middle, exploring the parameters of Parkinson’s disease in relation to movement and the nervous system
July 2015
Once Upon a City workshop performance, in collaboration with Red Electrick
November 2015
Il-Ħajja Xejn Cool ta' Teenager Jismu Julian, in collaboration with Teatru Aurora
2015 to 2018
The Box Project - a creative learning project in collaboration with Valletta 2018
Winter 2016
Bużullotti - a Kreattiv Project in collaboration with Aġenzija Żgħażagħ
Spring 2016-2019
Muso Merlot
April 2016
Teatru Astra's production of the musical Grease, with the participation of Studio 18
August 2016
Speranza, in collaboration with Danza C Company, Evenings on Campus
October 2016
Pietru u l-Lupu - a performance for children based on Peter and the Wolf in collaboration with MPO
March 2017
Teatru Astra's production of the musical Evita, with the participation of Studio 18
May 2017
Tgħid lil Ħadd - an original play written by Simone Spiteri and commissioned by Teatru Aurora
August 2017
Gotta Sing Gotta Dance - A musical revue celebrating the golden age of musical theatre, with choreography by the West End's Johnathan Tweedie
May 2018
Scratch it . Pitch it . Work it - our very own open-mic/scratch night for creatives
July 2018
Exploring Anxiety Through Drama as a Medium - an exploration into different anxiety disorders and their symptoms through the medium of drama. Workshops led by including theatre practitioners Johnathan Tweedie and Kostas Papamatthaiakis
May 2020
Muso Merlot Online - Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we turned our Muso Merlot five-year anniversary into Malta's first virtual musical theatre concert over on our Facebook Page
June 2020
Fosdqa - A two-night event showcasing original work created by our Creative Lab and Actor Project members, all adapted to an online platform
July 2020
Muso Merlot: APS Summer Festival - Muso Merlot was featured as part of the APS Summer Festival, also featuring the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra and Barbetti
Summer 2020
Masterclasses in Costume Design (Izzy Warrington), Directing (André Agius), and Playwriting (Simone Spiteri)
September 2020
ACM Lab on creating theatre for younger audiences.
Inclusion for E-Learning in Perfoming Arts Training: Learning from Covid-19 and Disruption in Education - Report and Webinar
November 2020
Young Creatives.
ŻiguŻajg - Ineż Kienet Perf(etta) miniseries
December 2020
Sh-Elf - A socially distanced performance at the Ta' Qali Christmas village drive thru
July 2021
Page to Stage. A series of plays put up by our members. Written by the Playwriting Programme, directed by the Creative Lab and performed by the Acting Programme
October 2021
Launch of Spazju Kreattiv Mentorship Programme for Technical and Production Arts
November 2021
L-Aħħar Siġra in collaboration with ŻiguŻajg, Ħassle Mejjet Theatre Collective & Just Another Collective
December 2021
Opening Doors Workshops for International Day for People with Disabilities
May 2022
Fosdqa - A two-night event showcasing original work created by our Contemporary Theatre Making, The Acting Programme, and The Playwriting Programme members
July 2022
Jimmy and the Apocalypse in collaboration with Esplora Malta
August 2022
Publication of our "Sustainability Project' in collaboration with Arts Council Malta
January 2023
Thirst Trap Sixth Form Tour
March 2023
Il-Ġiddieb Għomru Twil, Spazju Kreattiv
May 2023
Girl Will Be, Final Members Showcase
July 2023
Launch of Project Phoenix
