In 1986, she joined the Vanemuine theatre in Tartu, leaving in 1988. Notable stage roles been in works by such playwrights and authors as: Jüri Tuulik, Albert Uustulnd, Kalju Saaber, Mait Metsanurk, Jaan Kross, Stanislav Stratiev, Carlo Goldoni, A. H. Tammsaare, Georges Feydeau, Jaan Kruusvall, Oldřich Daněk, and Henrik Ibsen.
[2] Erika Kaljusaar made her television debut with the role of Ethel in the 1986 Ago-Endrik Kerge directed Eesti Telefilm drama Võtmeküsimus.
[4] This was followed by the role of Juta in the 1988 two-part television historical drama Narva kosk, again directed by Kerge and penned by Vladimir Beekman and Enn Vetemaa.
[5] Kaljusaar's first film role was as Mari in the 1989 Kaljo Kiisk-directed Tallinnfilm drama Regina, based on the 1978 novel Valikuvõimalus by Estonian author Aimée Beekman.
In 1992, she appeared in the Peeter Urbla directed thriller Daam autos, based on the 1968 novel The Lady in the Car with Glasses and a Gun by French author Sébastien Japrisot.