An engaging conversation with Paige Hernandez about her artistic journey, the incredible projects and collaborations she's been a part of, and how she navigates the scene and the challenges associated with it. Here are some highlights from the interview:
1:45â - How she came to be a multidisciplinary artist
4:58â - Directing the Queens Girl Trilogy and how unprecedented and meaningful the experience was
8:10â - How solo shows are the actor's marathon and the ultimate platform
14:05â - The challenges associated with joining organizations in moments of transition
15:35â - How her solo show changed the trajectory of her career
19:20â - Starting her own company B-Fly Entertainment
40:34â - The importance of teaching and the ability to articulate the craft to anyone at any age
1:01â - How artists can gain more control and agency over their careers
A Baltimore native, Paige Hernandez is a multidisciplinary artist who is critically acclaimed as a performer, director, choreographer, and playwright. She has nearly twenty years of experience in arts administration, creating new works, producing, and performing.
As an AEA equity actress, Paige has performed on many stages throughout the country including Everyman Theatre, Cleveland Play House, Arena Stage, Folger Theatre, Wharton Center for Performing Arts, Manship Theatre at Shaw Center for the Arts, Paramount Theatre, and The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
A critically acclaimed director, Paigeâs direction has been seen throughout the country including Everyman Theatre where she directed all three shows of the 'Queens Girl trilogy' as well as 'Proof' which received critical acclaim from The Wall Street Journal. As a playwright, she has collaborated with the Lincoln Center and has been commissioned by several companies including the National New Play Network, the Smithsonian, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, La Jolla Playhouse, and The Glimmerglass Festival. She is the recipient of an Individual Artist Award from the Maryland State Arts Council as well as four Helen Hayes nominations for choreography, directing, and performance.
Paige has also been named a âclassroom heroâ by the Huffington Post, a âCitizen Artist Fellowâ with The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, "40 under 40" by the Washington Post, and one of âSix Theatre Workers You Should Knowâ by American Theatre magazine. With her company B-FLY ENTERTAINMENT, Paige continues to develop and tour original work internationally. Paige is a graduate of the Baltimore School for the Arts and the University of Maryland. www.paigehernandez.com
Unapologetically Original is a weekly interview series that highlights inspiring individuals from the Theatre, Film, and TV world who have been agents of change in their own lives and in the lives of others. Tune in live on Instagram @priyankashettyactor every Thursday at 11 AM ET to get to know these amazing individuals and their incredible contributions as artists and leaders.