In September, Mia Teboe, a winner of the 2021 Pat MacKay Diversity In Design Scholarships, will be a sophomore in the Sound Design BFA program at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. After graduate school, she plans to work in live sound but eventually her goal is to found a program to encourage students with disabilities to learn about opportunities in theatre.
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?
Mia Teboe: One of my upperclassmen at College-Conservatory of Music suggested I apply. I thought that the opportunity would be a great way to make connections with other designers that may have a similar interest in helping to create a more welcoming environment for diverse young artists.
LD: What made you interested in the field of sound design?
MT: I first fell in love with sound during my time as the electronics specialist for my high school’s indoor drumline. I’m an electric bass player and fell into the position because of that. The drumline had two great sound designers who showed me that a career in sound, both creative and technical, was possible.
LD: What are your career goals?
MT: Honestly, I’m not sure yet but it relates to sound. I’ve yet to find my niche, but I am especially interested in assistant designing or A2-ing. After establishing my sound career, I hope to start up a youth technical theatre program that specifically outreaches to deaf, blind, or hard-of-hearing students. I want everyone to know that they have a place in technical theatre and that starts with young people.
LD: How can the industry better serve underrepresented communities?
MT: Have more conversations! The industry won’t be able to serve underrepresented communities if they’re not aware of what the needs of those communities are.
LD: Who or what are your influences, in terms of people or events?
MT: The most influential person in my life was my late friend, Lynn, who always taught me to be kind to others, even the ones who make it especially hard to be kind. I try to carry that lesson into every aspect of my life whether it’s related to my design and the collaborative process or not. Lynn was also the one who introduced me to theatre and pushed me to pursue an education at CCM, so she often comes to mind when I am working on projects or shows.
LD: Are there particular challenges you have faced?
MT: Studying sound while having hearing issues definitely comes with challenges. I have a particularly hard time distinguishing what direction sound is coming from which makes listening to systems difficult and often frustrating.
LD: What is your number one bucket list item?
MT: This may be sort of silly, but I’ve always wanted to go to the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta, Georgia. I’ve loved puppets since I was a little kid, so when I found out there was a whole museum dedicated to them, I promised myself that I would go someday.
LD: Has the pandemic changed how you view your work or the industry?
MT: I think a lot of people, including myself, learned to treasure the time we get to spend working or attending live events. Being able to perform and work on systems was something I took for granted before the pandemic, but now, I wouldn't dream of taking it for granted. Things can change in an instant and you never know when, or if, you'll get a certain opportunity again.
Click here for more scholarship winners from 2021 and previous years.