Aldair Callejas
Entertainment Engineering and Design Student
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Las Vegas, NV USA
“Whatever you want to do, give it your all and don’t hold back. Follow your dreams and don’t let anything stop you.”
Videos
By Roadtrip NationAldair Callejas
Milestones
My road in life has been direct.
I was born in Mexico and moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, when I was five years old.
From an early age, I knew I was interested in more creative subjects like music and art, but I was also intrigued by engineering.
As a DACA resident, I didn't have as many opportunities available to me in regards to colleges, financial aid, and out-of-state programs, so I learned to utilize mentors for support.
I initially thought I might pursue graphic design in college until one of my high school teachers told me that the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, had a new program for entertainment engineering.
I took her advice and decided to go into UNLV’s entertainment engineering program—it has merged all of my interests: music, art, and engineering.
I reached out to one of the department’s program coordinators for opportunities to gain hands-on experience with shows—I started off small, taking on tasks like managing cables.
In addition to my studies, I work as an assistant sound designer for shows like “Dog Sees God” and “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” at UNLV.
My goal is to learn a little bit of everything—audio, lighting, scenic design, venue design, automation, and coding—so that I’m a person of interest for producing big shows and music festivals.
Education
High School
Career
Entertainment Engineering and Design Student
My job is to help set up and run multiple productions that happen in the Ham Hall Theater at UNLV.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Engineering
Acting & Theatre
Being Creative
Day to Day
A typical day in this part of the entertainment industry starts with going to the designated location to start setting up for the show. By working with my team, I help set up the stage, speakers, lights, and any other equipment that might be used during the show. Once everything is up and running, it's my job to make sure the show runs smoothly and to give the audience a good experience. After everything has ended, we take everything down and pack it up for the next event.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for college students
If you want to pursue this career, I would recommend you start talking to people and network to get involved in the entertainment industry. Get hands-on experience as early as possible so that once you graduate from college, you will have that necessary experience and be ready for any task thrown your way.
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Peers:
"You shouldn't pursue that career; go for this one instead."
Challenges I Overcame
First-Generation Immigrant
First-Generation College Student
Interviewed By
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