Imagine being handpicked to shine on the global stage—a dream come true for any young performer. But here's where it gets even more exciting: three Maltese students from Hoi Polloi Academy are about to live that dream as they head to New York City for the prestigious JTF International All-Stars Programme 2026. This isn’t just any opportunity—it’s a chance to stand alongside the world’s most promising musical theatre talents, and these students have earned their spot through sheer talent and dedication.
Emily Dimech, Erika Bonello, and Laura Cardona were selected after a rigorous process of nominations and auditions at the Junior Theatre Festival Europe 2025 in Birmingham. What makes this achievement even sweeter? It comes in the same year that Hoi Polloi Academy snagged the Achievement in Dance Award for their production of Shrek JR. Talk about a winning streak!
As International All-Stars, these three will jet off to New York in January 2026, where they’ll dive into creating a brand-new musical theatre production developed by the Broadway powerhouse, iTheatrics. And this is the part most people miss: this program isn’t just about performing—it’s about collaboration. The students will join an elite ensemble of young performers from the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States, blending their unique talents into something extraordinary.
Their New York adventure includes Broadway masterclasses, watching professional shows, and immersing themselves in industry-level rehearsals. But the journey doesn’t stop there. Next, they’ll head to Atlanta to perform on the main stage at JTF 2026, the world’s largest youth musical theatre festival. Here’s the controversial part: with such high stakes, how will these students balance representing Malta’s artistic spirit while adapting to the global theatre scene? It’s a question that sparks debate among theatre enthusiasts.
‘This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,’ said Marco Calleja, Artistic Director of Hoi Polloi Academy. ‘Having three of our students selected is overwhelming. They’ll be ambassadors for HPA, Malta, and our core values—creativity, collaboration, and growth.’
Preparation for this program began months ago, with the students required to master musical material before even setting foot in New York. Rehearsals kick off immediately upon arrival, with casting auditions on day one. To give them a head start, participants received early access to scripts, vocal tracks, and choreography for Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile JR, a brand-new musical in development. Their preparation and performance during rehearsals will directly impact casting decisions and the ensemble’s overall success.
This selection isn’t just a milestone for the students—it’s a triumph for the entire Hoi Polloi Malta community, which includes the Academy, Theatre Company, and Creative Hub. All are dedicated to showcasing Maltese talent on the international stage. But here’s a thought-provoking question: as Maltese performers gain global recognition, how can we ensure their unique cultural identity remains at the forefront of their work?
Hoi Polloi Academy is actively seeking sponsorship to support the students’ journey, covering travel, accommodation, and participation costs. Supporters can follow their progress on Hoi Polloi Malta’s social media channels as they prepare to take Maltese talent to some of the world’s biggest youth theatre stages.
Congratulations, Emily, Erika, and Laura—you’re not just performers; you’re trailblazers. Well done, girls! Now, we want to hear from you: What does it mean to represent your culture on a global stage? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Riana Xerri (https://lovinmalta.com/author/rianaxerri/)
Riana is an American-Gozitan content creator and nurse. When she's not working, she's jetting off to see her favorite artists live in concert, capturing the magic of each experience. Follow her adventures on Instagram @rianaxerri.
