Paige Hernandez Discusses Becoming Associate AD at Everyman Theatre & Thinking Outside the Box
Kevin Ray Johnson
It is my great joy to introduce you to the amazing Paige Hernandez! Paige is a multidisciplinary artist who is critically acclaimed as a performer, director, choreographer, and playwright. Paige is a proud member of Actors Equity Association and has performed on many stages throughout the US including Arena Stage (DC), Folger Theatre (DC), The Kennedy Center (DC), Fulton Theatre (PA), Ohio Theatre (NY), Manship Theatre (LA), Paramount Theatre (TX), Cleveland Playhouse (OH), and The Wharton Center (MI) among many others.
Paige is most notably known for her effective fusion of theatre, hip-hop, dance, and education. She has collaborated with the Lincoln Center and has been commissioned by several companies including the National New Play Network, the Smithsonian, The Kennedy Center, and the Glimmerglass Festival. She is the recipient of an Individual Artist Award from the Maryland State Arts Council as well as three Helen Hayes nominations for choreography and performance. Paige has also been named a “classroom hero” by The Huffington Post, a “Citizen Artist Fellow” by the Kennedy Center, “40 under 40” by the Washington Post, and one of “Six Theatre Workers You Should Know” by the American Theatre Magazine.
Most recently Paige has been appointed to the Associate Artistic Director position at The Everyman Theatre in Baltimore, Maryland, and I can truly say that that was a BIG pickup for that wonderful theatre company. Paige is an artist I have admired for many years. What’s even more inspiring is that I feel with everything she has accomplished so far, this is only the beginning for this multi-talented artist! I am very honored to have the chance to interview Paige!
How old were you when you knew you wanted to be in the performing arts?
I think I was about eight or nine years old. In elementary and middle school, I got involved in dramatic reading competitions, debate teams, forensics, etc. I was so expressive that judges and coaches kept suggesting that I look into theater. My parents enrolled me in Arena Players for their summer camps and productions. After that, I was recommended to the TWIGS program at Baltimore School for the Arts which eventually led to admission to the school. I haven't looked back since.
Where did you study, and are there any mentors in your life who truly helped you become the amazing artist you are today?
Baltimore School for the Arts cemented my drive to pursue theatre professionally. After that, I choose to get a degree in theatre and broadcast journalism from the University of Maryland, College Park. I realized early on that the more I excelled in my craft, the better I did in academics. My path to success has always looked like the connection to education through theatre. My mentors include Donald Hicken at the Baltimore School for the Arts, Scot Reese at the University of Maryland, and Laurie Magovern during my time at Arena Stage.
Congratulations on being appointed to the Associate Artistic Director position at Everyman Theatre in Baltimore! What are you most looking forward to?
I feel extremely fortunate to return to my hometown of Baltimore to a theatre that has embraced my full artistry since the beginning of my career. We are in such a dynamic moment in time that is ripe for awareness, bold steps, and inclusivity like never before. Working with Everyman in this capacity feels like the perfect fit to make meaningful strides forward. I am thrilled to continue my relationship with the Everyman staff and the Resident Company Members on the theatre's vision for the future and it's continued positive cultural and educational impact in Baltimore and beyond.
Your performing career has been so wonderful and very inspiring. Are there any shows or performances that you have done in your career that stick out and will always be near and dear to your heart?
I have always loved my work in TYA. I don’t take for granted that I was able to play Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, Cinderella, a Grafitti Fairy and more. It’s so cool to play such iconic roles as a WOC. The looks on some of the children that came to see the shows were priceless. They were just so thrilled to see themselves represented onstage. For me, that’s what it’s all about.
2020 has been a challenging year for all of society especially artists. What advice would you give any aspiring artist in these times?
Keep the faith, think outside the box, clean-up/update your digital footprint, and explore skills that can continue to support you once you’re back in the swing of things.
To learn more about Paige and the Everyman Theatre make sure you visit - www.paigehernandez.com & www.everymantheatre.org