herci

Herci is the Czech and Slovak plural noun for "actors," referring to people who perform dramatic roles in theatre, film, television, radio and voice work. The term is used in credits, reviews and everyday speech to denote professionals and amateurs who embody characters through speech, movement and expression. In Czech and Slovak cultural contexts, herci participate in a range of traditions including ensemble and repertory theatre, experimental performance, puppetry and cinema.

Training pathways for herci commonly include conservatories, university faculties of performing arts and private studios; notable institutions in the Czech lands and Slovakia have historically combined classical training with avant-garde techniques. Career opportunities span stage companies, film and television productions, dubbing and voice-over, as well as teaching and directing. Many herci work as freelancers or within established ensembles, and professional associations and unions often represent their labor interests.

The role of herci in public life has varied with historical and political change: from imperial-era theatre to interwar prosperity, communist-era state theatres and film studios, and post-1989 diversification of media and independent production. Audiences and critics evaluate herci on criteria such as interpretive depth, vocal and physical control, and adaptability across genres. The term thus encapsulates both the craft of acting and the social position of performers within Czech and Slovak arts and media.