Queens Actress Gives Hope to Sufferers of Anxiety Disorders in Riveting Solo Play  QUEENS, NY (September 3, 2016) - Sufferers of anxiety disorders are set to get a dose of inspiration when Mia Raye Smith takes center stage in her solo show, I Am Hope, to be hosted at the South Carolina Governor's School for Science and Mathematics during Mental Health Week.

I Am Hope was written by Mia Raye Smith. It is an autobiographical play about a young girl's transition to one of New York’s toughest neighborhoods. Young Mia was seeking acceptance and validation from her peers, but a trip back home to Detroit helped her realized her deep family history.

Mia will transform into 19 characters that has helped shaped her life. She develops an anxiety disorder and panic attacks, which left her homebound. Consequently, her dream to travel the world was put on hold. Can Mia overcome her biggest fear?

According to Anxiety and Depression Association of America (AADA) anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States. In fact, statistics reveal that it affects 40 million adults or 18 per cent of the population. I Am Hope illuminates the struggle of anxiety disorders to its fullest. It's a compelling piece of theatre that will resonate with everyone, especially those who struggle with the disorder on a daily basis.

Questioned about the motivation for writing and performing the solo play, Smith explained: "I think the most important role you will ever play is yourself. I'm openly speaking about my struggles living with an anxiety disorder in hopes of help other people get treatment and live well. I'm breaking down stigmas with storytelling."

Smith's most recent performance of the play was at the Fordham University's Lincoln Center Campus. An Educator at Fordham University, Ijeoma Nwaogu, Ph.D., fully endorsed the show. She said: "I Am Hope is a poignant play filled with brilliantly portrayed scenes that stir emotions and inspires the audience. A funny, yet moving play sheds light on a woman's real life experiences living with an anxiety disorder. Audience members are sure to feel moved and empowered."

In addition to the excellent feedback she has already received about the show, Smith was also recently nominated for a WEGO Health Activist Award. The Actress/Playwright is passionate about sharing her experience and has plans to tour the show in schools and continue the conversation about mental health.

I Am Hope will be hosted at the Center Theater at South Carolina Governor's School for Science and Mathematics located at 215 N 5th Street, Hartsville, SC 29950 on October 20th, 2016 at 6:30 pm. For further details, visit: http://www.miarayesmith.com.