Pat MacKay Diversity In Design Scholarships
Applications accepted through June 11, 2026.
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Founded in 2019, The Diversity In Design scholarships are named for Pat MacKay, formerly publisher of Theatre Crafts and Lighting Dimensions magazines and founder of the LDI Trade Show and Conference. She is a USITT Fellow and has served as a mentor for several generations of industry professionals. This is the eighth year that the scholarships, funded by LDI and Live Design, have been offered with the goal of supporting underrepresented and unique voices in the field of entertainment design.
LDI 2026, in partnership with TSDCA and USITT, presents scholarships to students in various disciplines of live design. Undergraduate students enrolled in lighting, sound, or projection/digital media design programs at accredited colleges, universities, and community colleges for four-year or associate degree programs, as well as high school seniors who have been accepted to an undergraduate college, university, or community college design or certificate program are eligible to apply online.
Students applying for the scholarships will be asked to provide:
- Copies of their work, such as a digital design portfolio, or audio samples;
- References/recommendations from teachers/collaborators;
- An essay on why they would like to win this scholarship and their career goals;
- A headshot or photo of them at work in the theatre;
- Each short-listed candidate will be asked to attend a phone interview with the judges.
Each student selected for one of the Pat MacKay Scholarships will receive up to $5,000, spread out over a maximum of eight semesters, or $1,250 per year, paid by semester directly to the school. In order for the students to get the next year’s payment, they must show progress toward their degree, show at least a 2.5 GPA, and provide a letter of support from their mentor with an update on how they are progressing as designers.