Maliya McCall will graduate from Columbus State University in the Theatre Design/Tech program in May 2022. McCall was chosen to be a recipient of The Pat MacKay Diversity in Design Scholarships funded by LDI/Live Design, in partnership with TSDCA and USITT, based on the strength of her application portfolio and judges interview. She would like to pursue a career in stage electrics and lighting design and outlines how she feels about the theatre community, the impact of the pandemic, and where she hopes her career in live entertainment will take her.
The Pat MacKay Diversity In Design Scholarships, funded by LDI and Live Design, were introduced to support the underrepresented and unique voices in the field of entertainment design and are presented in partnership with TSDCA and USITT, for undergraduate students
Live Design: Why did you apply for the Pat MacKay Diversity In Design Scholarship?
Maliya McCall: As I searched for scholarships to support me through my senior year of college, I struggled to find ones that I personally resonated with. My professor eventually recommended the Pat MacKay Diversity and Design Scholarship, and after some research, I really liked the message and decided to apply.
LD: What made you interested in the field of lighting/sound/projection design?
MM: When I first came to college, I originally planned to focus my degree on stage management. However, my freshmen year, I was required to take introductory classes for technical theatre, it was there that I fell in love with lighting design, and I have been doing it ever since.
LD: What are your career goals?
MM: After I graduate in May, I hope to continue my work in lighting design. I have a big interest in traveling, so I have considered pursuing work in the tour industry or possibly going out of the country to train and learn with different designers. I would also like to continue to advocate for diversity in the theatre industry, as I have done with my college's theatre student advisor board.
LD: How can the industry better serve underrepresented communities?
MM: I think that the best thing we can do as a community is to first start a conversation, and then follow through with our actions. I think that many people are afraid to address the issues of underrepresentation because it makes them uncomfortable, but in order to make progress we must be able to boldly and constructively discuss these issues. We, as a community, must be proactive, instead of reactive when it comes to combating the issues of racism, misogyny,and inequity in our spaces.
LD: Who or what are your influences, in terms of people or events?
MM: I think my biggest influences are my peers. I am fortunate enough to have a great support system of fellow designers and creatives with whom I can bounce ideas off of. They influence me and push me to be better, take chances, and learn from my mistakes.
Krystal Kennel, my lighting professor and advisor, is also one of the biggest influences in my career and on my love of gelato. She has continuously pushed me to find new and innovative ways to design, as well as emphasizing the importance of networking. Krystal has taught me to be bold and to never stop seeking knowledge.
LD: Are there particular challenges you have faced?
MM: One of the most challenging things that I have faced is getting out of my own head. Often, in this industry, I find myself under pressure of being the only woman, or person of color in the room. Sometimes it is hard to remember that I deserve my seat in that room, that I am talented and capable. I take these feelings of pressure and anxiety and turn them into motivation to be better. Not to prove anything to other people, but to prove to myself that I am exactly where I need to be.
LD: What is your number one bucket list item?
MM: Sometime in my career, I would like to design The Nutcracker Ballet. As a child, my mother would take me to see The Nutcracker every year. This is where I fell in love with the stage and performance. I think The Nutcracker is one show I will never get tired of seeing, designing it would be a full circle moment for me.
LD: Has the pandemic changed how you view your work or the industry?
MM: Personally, I think the pandemic was one of the best things to happen to the theatre industry. Theatre is such a face-to-face activity that when we were forced apart it was hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel, but as creatives, we persevered. I think it is incredible how the theatre industry continued to grow and prosper even while we were in quarantine. The pandemic forced us to think about theatre in different ways from the traditional sense. Whether it be from play readings on Zoom, to recording and distributing full scale productions, or silly projects like Ratatouille the Musical, theatre found a way to do what it always does, give people hope. With all this innovation over the past year, I can not wait to see what comes next.
Click here for more scholarship winners from 2021 and previous years.