SDSU theatre performance major brings Italian acting lessons home

For San Diego State University students, studying abroad becomes a defining chapter that reshapes the way they approach the rest of their college experience. Fourth-year theatre performance major Jaysten Merced-Ares experienced that feeling firsthand when he traveled to Italy last summer. 

While researching study abroad opportunities in collaboration with SDSU Global Education, Merced-Ares discovered the Accademia dell’Arte, an internationally recognized arts institution located in Italy. The four-week Summer Intensive is an immersive program that focuses on physical theatre, dance, and performance.      

Before the summer, Merced-Ares's choice to pursue a degree in theater was inspired by following the passions he loved as a child. Crafting, storytelling, and being surrounded by a community where he could express himself creatively.   

“I started getting more into the different styles,” Merced-Ares said, explaining that the more he studied performance, the more grounded he felt in it.

Merced-Ares was introduced to clowning during an SDSU campus showcase in Spring 2025 and felt curious to learn more. The Accademia dell’Arte summer intensive gave him the chance to study this ancient performance discipline that explores the intersection of physical theater, improvisation, and emotional expression. 

The program's location, Arezzo, is a hilltop city in Tuscany located approximately 40 minutes south of Florence. Each day was organized around physical training, character development, and collaborative work within an ensemble. These activities were complemented by group meals and evenings spent exploring the local streets and markets.   

“The group that I got there with the very first day… everyone was very immediate to talk to each other, get to know each other,” Merced-Ares said. “I feel like that really helped ease the tension of we're all new here.”  

Merced-Ares' selected courses in commedia and clowning, especially, asked him to loosen his grip on control. His instructors repeated the same phrase daily, “live in the fiasco.”  

“It definitely helped me learn to be more comfortable with whatever I come up with, being more open and expressive,” Merced-Ares said.  

Commedia dell'arte is a traditional form of Italian theater that involves masked characters, exaggerated movements, and improvisation to perform comedic stories. In this style, students learn about stereotypical roles and focus on the physicality to bring a range of characters to life. Merced-Ares's work in commedia dell'arte changed his perspective on character development.   

“Learning the different physicalities of each character can definitely help whenever trying to build another character for another show,” he said. “It’s like, oh, does this person want to have their chest worn out? Or are they more concave? Or are they more energetic? Are they moving around? Or are they slow?”

The training extended beyond Italy, influencing his approach to building a character by focusing on the body first. When reflecting on the experience, Merced-Ares would summarize it as immersive. 

“Not only the work… but the culture,” he said. “Going out to the towns and seeing art… immersive works really well.”

Back on campus, Merced-Ares, like many students who study abroad, applied the skills and perspectives he learned in Italy to his involvement at SDSU. He performed in a staged reading of “Fireflies” on the Prebys Stage, and he is currently rehearsing for SDSU’s upcoming production of “Twelfth Night.” Additionally, he is one of ten students selected for a yearlong performance mentorship group focused on Shakespeare and the development of new works. 

Merced-Ares said he intentionally keeps his schedule full, preparing for the reality of post-graduation life. 

Preparing for an international experience 

For those interested in studying abroad, students in the College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts are required to attend a GEO–PSFA “Getting Started” session before meeting with a Global Education advisor. The session introduces program options, planning timelines, and the academic approval process. Sessions are held virtually throughout the semester and are recommended early in a student’s degree plan. Application deadlines are Feb. 15 for fall and summer programs and Sept. 15 for winter and spring. 

In addition, students hoping to expand their global perspective can explore SDSU’s International Studies Minor. Open to all majors, the program helps students connect classroom learning with international and professional experiences

Further guidance across colleges and program listings is available at sdsu.edu/global-education.