Meet Jersten Seraile | Assistant Professor & Playmaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jersten Seraile and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jersten, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
I think folks are often unaware that this industry has so much to do with community. My biggest realization is that community takes years of ones time to build. It’s a meaningful and intentional endeavor that goes beyond a job or gig; it’s not transactional. Over time you make friends and find your people who are interested in the same ideas you are interested in. Playmakers are full of heart in everything we do.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I consider myself a playmaker. My practice includes directing, producing, acting, and playwriting. These subjects range from Shakespeare to original materials. I would say I am most proud of the connections I have been able to make along the way. Meeting really cool artists who are also working at the edge of their abilities have inspired and pushed me. Getting to this place as an artist is no easy task at all. Patience, perseverance, and celebrating the little victories are key. Part of what helped me was being super focused on being the best artist I can be in the room every single day. I’ve learned that this industry does not move on your timing. And just because things don’t happen when you want them to it doesn’t mean you’re stagnant. Often we undermine ourselves and our victories. It’s important to celebrate when you accomplish your goals. As a black playmaker my goal is to amplify voices that aren’t traditional heard; service to the truth always comes first for an artist. This is my work as an artist citizen.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
First I would take my friend to Balboa Park in San Diego in the afternoon. We’d spend a couple hours there walking around and having a picnic. -We’d then head to La Jolla Shores
-We would eat Sushi at Niban Japanese Restaurant (My absolute favorite sushi place in the country!)
-Grab Boba Tea from GuilTea Cravings in Clairemont
-We would visit Ocean Beach
– Tour the University of San Diego ( one of the most beautiful campuses I have seen)
– Hang out at Windansea Beach
– Take a nap at Coronado Beach
-Watch the Sunset at Beacon’s Beach in Encinitas
-We would definitely hangout at the Dog Beach in Coronado as well. The dogs get so excited about the water that it instantly makes my day better just watching them.
-We’d grab ice cream in Barrio Logan at Tocumbo Ice cream
-We’d eat octopus tocos at Kiko’s Place-The Seafood King
-I would also have them them try the whole tilapia fish plate at Las Palmitos Mexican Eatery in Clairemont.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Honestly there are so many people that have helped me arrive where I am at today and for that I’m immensely grateful for their support. This shoutout I would like to dedicate to my mentors in the Department of Theater at the University of San Diego. Without their support I wouldn’t be the artist I am today. Jan Gist, Ray Chambers, Jesse Perez, Scott Ripley, and Evelyn Cruz have been monumental to me. And everyday I am beyond grateful to have these mentors.

Website: https://www.jerstenseraile.org/

Instagram: @jerstenseraile

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jersten-seraile-01a1a3174/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jersten.seraile/

Image Credits
Photographer for professional headshot: Bobby Quillard Photographer for Peter and the Starcatcher images: Nate Parde