The use of student theaters as simulated patients (SP) can improve the learning process, but studies on the SP methodology in Costa Rica are limited. Thus, this study investigated the contribution of theatre students as SP, as perceived by faculty and nursing students.

This study used the action-research framework and the data collection included observational data and qualitative interviews. The data were analyzed through three phases: pre-analysis, exploration of the material, and treatment/interpretation.

Participants included 20 undergraduate nursing students and eight faculty members. The involvement of actors in the simulation increased the psychological fidelity and realism of the simulation, leading to deeper experiential training. Therefore, the inclusion of theater students as SP with acting training in nursing undergraduate or postgraduate courses can be an effective strategy to promote emancipatory learning and has potential for developing critical-reflective thinking skills when used in a constructivist pedagogical practice.