Pier Lamia Porter – 2026 Cohort

Pier Lamia Porter—known to most as Mia—has spent more than a decade shaping New York City’s live entertainment landscape through programming, artist relations, and a genuine commitment to inclusion. As Deputy Programming Director at 54 Below, Mia curates and manages over 700 performances annually, collaborating with artists, agents, and producers to bring a diverse range of programming to the stage. She is particularly known for championing initiatives that highlight underrepresented voices.

The creator and curator of the “Make Them Hear You” series launched in February 2022; Mia has made it her mission to educate audiences about both celebrated and lesser-known Black works in musical theatre. The series goes beyond concerts, offering Black writers showcases and building genuine community among Black artists in New York. Mia oversees every aspect of the series, from programming and casting to directing and content development, always centering authentic storytelling and engagement.

Her experience extends to producing and assisting organizations including The TRC Company, Club Café Boston, and Broadway for Biden. She is recognized for her supportive, people-first approach and her ability to foster meaningful connections in any environment.

In August, Mia made her NYC cabaret debut with her original show, The Humbling of Me. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Nevada-Las Vegas and completed graduate studies at the Longy School of Music in Cambridge, Massachusetts.