Starting theatre was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. At TALENT Drama Studio – or simply with Erika – there’s an incredibly warm and welcoming atmosphere that simply draws you in.

The courses at TDS are based on original creative work, which helps people get to know themselves, work with themselves, and, most importantly, learn how to create something out of nothing

I would describe Erika’s courses as a big package of euphoria, love, friendship, laughter, and joy. I can wholeheartedly recommend them to everyone, because they have truly changed my life.

"Erika’s approach to working with actors is unconventional and focused on authorial theatre. It has given me valuable experience in acting, including developing my creativity, becoming more self-aware, and treating the stage as a sacred space."

“Erika always prepared me for castings and screen tests, and thanks to her I got into several film casting agencies. I am truly grateful for her dedication and support, as she guided me and developed my acting over the 8–9 years I studied with her.”

“Erika does not teach in the traditional framework of classical theatre, but instead explores more complex approaches to creative work. She leads participants toward authorial theatre, where actors also take on the roles of creators (directors, choreographers, designers, and others), giving them greater space for artistic self-expression.”

“I have been at TDS for 11 years, and during that time I have learned an incredible amount. I’ve learned not to be shy and to give everything to my work, as well as what true collective work means. What I love most about theatre is that I can be myself and do what truly fulfills me.”

“Under the guidance of lecturer and educator Erika Merjavá, we explored how an actor can draw from within when portraying a role. We looked for a natural way of expression on stage and the development of an inner dialogue. This approach supports authentic acting while also fostering the creation of original texts.”

“Erika’s approach to acting felt to me like working with each person’s inner world. Much of the classes, as I experienced them, is dedicated to exploring the possibilities of voice, body, and spirit, and encouraging authenticity, creativity, and freedom from self-consciousness about our natural expression.”

“The journey to discovering what is beautiful is not easy, and TALENT Drama Studio is the safest place where mistakes are not wrong, and facing challenges head-on is never foolish.”

“My first, and actually only, experience with a drama club, after deciding I wanted to pursue acting, was with Erika and Jirka, and I couldn’t be more grateful. Thanks to them, I discovered that acting is not only about entertainment, but mainly about working on oneself. Under their guidance, I felt that I was improving, that my work had direction, and that it made sense. The most important thing for me was the opportunity to express my own opinions and bring my ideas to life within a friendly group and a supportive environment. I always enjoyed ‘letting loose’ during our homework assignments, where only minimal boundaries were given. Because of that, our final group projects were diverse and shaped by each of our individual approaches. I still draw on the exercises we worked on during the three years I attended Erika and Jirka’s classes in my own work today. And I look back with love on the time when, in a little girl with a dream of becoming an actress, they sparked a passion that will stay with her for life and led her to where she is now. ”