Power Women of Queens: Mia Smith

Mia Raye Smith’s mission is to give hope to those facing adversity. An actress, producer and playwright, Mia uses her talents to tell her own story of perseverance so that others may see themselves in her work and know they can overcome their own obstacles. Several years after Mia completed her drama studies at the acclaimed William Esper Studio two year conservatory -- listed as one of the 25 best drama schools in the Hollywood Reporter -- Mia began experiencing crippling anxiety and panic attacks which left her homebound. After receiving treatment, Mia made the decision to write about her experiences and enrolled in Emmy Award winning writer and teacher Matt Hoverman’s Go-Solo workshop. In that workshop, Mia wrote and developed her one woman show I am Hope, an autobiographical story about finding hope, humor and healing while living with an anxiety disorder. I am Hope opened at the Emerging Artist Festival. Mia’s off-broadway debut at the United Solo Festival came next, along with features in the New Works Series Festival and the Flying Solo Festival. As the play creates an important dialogue about mental health, Mia has been touring on the college circuit and has performed I am Hope at Fordham University’s Lincoln Center and Rose Hill campuses, Brooklyn College, Central Michigan University, Eastern Michigan University, and South Carolina Governor's School for Science & Mathematics. Recently, Mia made her international debut at the Toronto Fringe Festival, where her show received the inaugural David Seguin Award and sold out on closing night. I am Hope has been listed in SheDoesTheCity.com as one of the top 10 shows to see and was a top critic pick in Now Magazine. Mia has also been featured on CBC’s Here and Now radio show. • Executive Producer: Daniel J. Leone • Producer/Host: Luchia Dragosh • Technical Director: Bob Strahle • Editors: Luchia Dragosh, Noran Omar