Aldair Callejas

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 Nation

Aldair Callejas

Now Playing
01:17
Aldair Callejas Highlight
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05:27
Interview
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02:34
Have The Determination To Pursue Your Dreams
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01:32
Why I Chose To Go Into Sound Design
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01:22
Finding An Interest In Music
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01:07
Figuring Out What To Pursue In College
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01:01
The Importance Of Mentors
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00:46
Skills Needed To Work In Sound Design
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01:48
Don't Be Afraid To Ask For Opportunities In College
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01:27
Setting An Example For Younger Siblings
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02:28
Finding Balance In College
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02:44
Being The Youngest In The Room
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00:49
Follow Your Dreams Whether That Includes College Or Not

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

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.

Skills & Qualities Beyond School

I recommend going through safety training so that everyone can be safe while moving and setting up equipment. You also need to be able to work well with a team and be able to coordinate with each other to fix any situations that might arise during the show. But most of all, you need to have determination, a good attitude, and be able to have fun because this is a very high-energy industry.

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

All In

All In

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