Three students from Hoi Polloi Academy have been selected to take part in the highly competitive JTF International All-Stars Programme for 2026, earning them a place among some of the world’s most promising young musical theatre performers.
Emily Dimech, Erika Bonello and Laura Cardona were chosen following nominations and auditions at the Junior Theatre Festival Europe 2025 in Birmingham. The selection comes in the same year that Hoi Polloi Academy also received the Achievement in Dance Award for its production of Shrek JR.
As International All-Stars, the three performers will travel to New York City in January 2026, where they will rehearse and create a brand-new musical theatre production developed by Broadway-based company iTheatrics. The programme brings together top youth performers from across the UK, Australia, New Zealand and the United States.
During their time in New York, the students will work as part of an international ensemble, attend Broadway masterclasses, watch professional productions, and immerse themselves in industry-level rehearsal processes. Their journey will then continue to Atlanta, where they will perform on the main stage at JTF 2026, the world’s largest youth musical theatre festival.
“This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Hoi Polloi Academy Artistic Director Marco Calleja. “To have three of our students selected is overwhelming. They’ll be representing HPA, Malta, and everything we believe in — creativity, collaboration and growth.”
Preparation for the programme began months in advance, with the students required to familiarise themselves with all musical material before arriving in New York. Rehearsals begin immediately upon arrival with casting auditions on the first day. With limited rehearsal time, participants were given early access to scripts, vocal tracks and choreography for Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile JR, a brand-new musical currently in development.
Their level of preparation and performance during rehearsals will directly influence casting decisions and the overall success of the ensemble.
The selection marks a major milestone not only for the students themselves, but for the wider Hoi Polloi Malta community, which includes the Academy, Theatre Company and Creative Hub, all dedicated to promoting Maltese talent internationally.
Hoi Polloi Academy is currently exploring sponsorship opportunities to help support the students’ journey, covering travel, accommodation and participation costs.
Supporters can follow the students’ progress through Hoi Polloi Malta’s official social media channels as they prepare to take Maltese talent onto some of the world’s biggest youth theatre stages.
Well done girls!