Ildikó Lipták

Ildikó Lipták is a theatre education specialist, drama teacher, writer, and external lecturer at the Institute for Theoretical Studies where she has taught on the Master of Theory programme since its inception. She co-founded the Round Table Theatre Education Centre in 1992 and has developed pedagogical skills training for students throughout her career.

Her educational background includes degrees as a cultural organizer from Janus Pannonius University, a teacher and philologist from ELTE (Eötvös Loránd University), a drama teacher from University of West Hungary, and a developmental literature therapist from Apor Vilmos College.

Lipták's research focuses on storytelling, skills development training, and theatre education methodologies. She has cultivated both the theory and practice of theatre education as both a practitioner and university lecturer, developing innovative approaches to interactive theatre education that transform how children engage with performance. Her work centers on creating genuine participation formats where children become active partners rather than passive spectators, exploring social and moral dilemmas through drama.

Her significant awards include the Éva Mezei Award from the Hungarian Drama Pedagogical Society (2022) and recognition as Young Adult Fiction Writer of the Year by the Hungarian section of the International Children's Book Council (2020). In May 2024, she received the Keleti István award for best acting performance.

Lipták has mentored numerous students through her theatre education work and has been instrumental in establishing theatre education as a respected discipline in Hungary. She has developed extensive training programs that help students develop self-awareness, communication skills, and team building capacities through drama.

She co-founded and continues to work with the Round Table Theatre in Education Company, which has significantly influenced theatre education practices across Hungary. Her approach emphasizes creating safe spaces where children can explore complex social issues through drama, developing empathy and critical thinking skills.