Paloma Sierra

Photo by Fer Devincenzi

I'm a director, writer, and translator who crosses linguistic barriers to reimagine poetry, theater, and film.

Inaugural Emerging Poet Laureate of Allegheny County, I've presented award-winning poetry in Europe, the Americas, and the Caribbean. I've also published with Azahares, The Bookends Review, Poetry Film Live, Bridge: The Bluffton University Literary Journal, Persephone’s Daughters, and Sampsonia Way.

A City Theatre Miami National Short Play Award finalist, I've supported the development of 20+ short and full-length plays and their journeys onto renowned festivals, including the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival.

A Fulbright and Carnegie Mellon alum, I've trained in directing with Carlos Ianni and Randy Kovitz; playwriting/dramaturgy with Rob Handel, Megan Monaghan-Rivas, Anne García-Romero, Migdalia Cruz, and Sandra Silveyra; design and production with Narelle Sissons, Anne Mundell, and Dick Block; and acting with Thelma Biral and Ricardo Lago Oliveira.

I'M CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FOR COMMISSIONS

pa.sierra.hernandez@gmail.com

CHECK OUT WHAT I'VE BEEN UP TO

I Am Soil Breaking Off
Direction / Writing / Production
Video Poetry | 3 min

Life often exposes us to violent storms. But like a mangrove seed, we can find a home wherever we drift.

Every Word I Say to You
Direction / Writing / Production
Video Poetry | 1.5 min

A caretaker experiences various emotions as they care for a loved one who lives with Alzheimer's.

Let This Be
Direction / Writing / Production
Video Poetry | 1.5 min

A poem about national identity and migration.

For the Ones They Took Away
Writing
Play in Verse | 90 min

Ongoing project.

Between Poetry & Performance
Direction / Production / Curation
Workshop Series

Free programming that invites writers of all experience levels to reimagine poetry through theater and film.

Home Language
Direction / Production / Curation
Multilingual Exhibit

A collaboration between artists, writers, and translators to showcase the linguistic diversity in Pittsburgh, PA.

Acting for the Camera
Production Assistance
Short Scenes

Supported film production and rehearsals for a 20-student tv and film acting class in Carnegie Mellon.

F*ck Birthdays
Lighting Design
Short Film

Writing/Direction: Victoria Bartolotta

Cinematography: Nicholas McMillan

Production Management: Sidney Rubinowicz

Production Design: Rosie Villano

Lighting Design: Paloma Sierra

Sound: Olav Carter

Costumes: Khailah Johnson

(in)alienable
Production Design
Web Series

Direction: Jack Dentinger

Production: The Bellwether Project

Photography Direction: Kevin Galloway

Production Design: Paloma Sierra, Sasha Mieles

Costume Design: Nikki LoPinto

Sound Design: Javi Galarza

Media Design: Katy Fetrow

Gazebo
Art Direction / Set Decoration
Short Film

Writing/Direction: Molly Gandour

Production: Ashley George

Music: Andrew Fox, Kent Kercher

Cinematography: Kay Hung

Costume Design: Aaron Crosby

Production Design: Erin Blake

Editorial Department: Jonathan Fred Schneider

Teaching Yourself How to Die Fast
Art Direction / Set Decoration
Short Film

Direction: Grace McCarthy

Production: Carnegie Mellon Drama

Co-Production: Grace McCarthy

Photography Director: Alexander Cronin

Production Design: Christian Fleming

Art Direction / Set Decoration: Paloma Sierra, Sasha Mieles

Costume Design: Meng Han Yeh

Sound Design: Javi Galarza

The Drowsy Chaperone
Assistant Scenic Design
Musical

Direction: Marcia Milgrom Dodge

Production: Carnegie Mellon Drama

Music Direction: Thomas W. Douglas

Scenic Design: Chen-Wei Liao

Assistant Scenic Design: Paloma Sierra, Christian Fleming, Yijun Yang

Lighting Design: Jenna Ferree Robertson

Co-Lighting Design: Shawn Nielson

Costume Design: Gina Cercone

Sound Design: Yiran Zhang

Rosa: The Day of the Dead
Writing
Opera | 20 min

On the Day of the Dead, Rose receives a ghastly visit that unravels truths about her family, heritage, and past.

Close (But Not Too Close!)
Writing
Musical | 15-20 min

Too nervous to meet that special someone in person just yet? Log on to find your perfect date - but watch out for scammers!

Cola'o: A Bilingual Trova
Writing
Play in Verse | 10 min

Two lovers with contrary opinions about Puerto Rican national identity uncover how to prepare “authentic” coffee.

BuT yOuR eNgLiSh Is So GoOd!
Writing
Choreopoem | 5 min

Inspired by the phrase "BuT yOuR eNgLiSh Is So GoOd!"

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING

Photo by Fer Devincenzi

her analytical relationship with language gives her work immediacy, her calibrated sense of irony gives it bite, and the pressure she puts on formal boundaries (...) a reckless irreverence
Rob Handel, Playwright and Librettist

totally engaging and gorgeous
Diana Burbano, Playwright

wide-ranging in form and witty in tone
Leyendo LatAm

translating poetry into images
BELatina

crosses (...) language barriers to bring poetry to the masses
Carnegie Mellon