Our Team | Studio 18 Malta

Jean-Marc Cafà

Jean-Marc is a seasoned driver in People Excellence and Creative Learning, with over 15 years of transformative experience.

Jean-Marc's expertise drives impactful change in holistic learning, inner development and the arts. He has collaborated with numerous organisations to develop people skills and processes, including the Evolution Group, the CHSMC schools, the Pro Clinic, Spazju Kreattiv, FreeHour, the Barn Theatre, Al-Harah Theatre and Arts Council Malta, and departments of the University of Malta, contributing to his broad perspective on industry needs.

With a focus on arts educational leadership, his passion for learning and critical inquiry enable him to connect academia, research, and modern education and workforce dynamics. Beyond education, Jean-Marc is an accomplished acting coach, director, and creative visionary. In 2013, Jean-Marc founded Studio 18, an organisation dedicated to arts education and creative learning. Aside from designing learning programmes and facilitating courses and workshops, he has also directed a number of acclaimed Studio 18 productions, such as Ineż Kienet Perf(etta), iLand, and Il-Giddieb Għomru Twil, as well as for Teatru Malta, FM Theatre and Du` Theatre.

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Director for Innovation & Learning

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Sustainability Lead

James Azzopardi Meli

James is an experienced project manager with a passion for sustainability management and a curiosity for all things creative. With over a decade managing productions and projects at Studio 18, he currently plays a central role in the back-end operations, overseeing the budgeting and finance that keep the ship running (more-or-less) smoothly.

Since joining Studio 18 at its inception, James has also developed his artistic journey on-stage. He performed in MYO Swings and took on the role of Matt in #babydaddy. Between 2017 and 2021, he contributed as the baritone in Studio 18's barbershop quartet, Barbetti. Recently, his acting roles included Rent in Mitluf Misjub (2022), Sammy in Absinthe (2024), and appearances in films, short movies, music videos, and TV commercials.

Offstage, James thrives in the production side of theatre. He co-led a devised Shakespeare workshop programme with Aġenzija Żgħażagħ, assisted in drama sessions at Opening Doors, and managed productions like Limbo, Dear Pete, the Muso Merlot series, and more recently he co-produced Il-Giddieb Għomru Twil at Spazju Kreattiv in 2023.

James completed his M.A. in Arts, Festival, and Cultural Management at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, and holds a Distinction in Speech and Drama at ATCL Level. He also holds a NEBOSH IGC and is a certified Lead Auditor for ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001. Over the past six years, he has been working as a Business Management Advisor at NOUV, specializing in quality and sustainability.

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Business Development Lead

Denise Perini

Denise Perini, a 24-year-old project and production manager, has earned a reputation as a dynamic and versatile leader in the youth and entrepreneurship space. She served as Head of Projects & Operations at FreeHour Malta for two years, driving initiatives and refining her ability to design and execute high-impact projects. Now a full-time solopreneur, Denise partners with companies to shape and implement strategies, with a particular focus on the start-up ecosystem, youth empowerment, and the cultural & creative industries.

Denise’s professional foundation was built during her time in the Studio 18 Creative Lab under the mentorship of Jean-Marc Cafa’. This experience paved the way for her to contribute to the company’s marketing and project development, as well as its business structure.

When she isn’t managing projects, Denise can be found working as a production and stage manager for theatre projects, painting props, building sets, or rallying teams to meet deadlines. Professionals credits include: Larinġa Mekkanika (Teatru Malta), Ma Kuraġġ (Teatru Malta/ Teatru Manoel), Lupu/Naġgħa (Du’ Theatre), Il-Giddieb Għomru Twil (Studio 18), Mid-Djarju ta’ Student Fi Skola tal-Knisja, and Little Red Riding Hood (FM Theatre Productions).

She is also the founder of the MEIA (Malta Entertainment Industry and Arts Association) Youth Executive Committee and currently serves as one of Malta’s SDG Youth Champions, with a mission to make sustainability accessible and actionable.

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